There are many law firms that offer legal services in Thailand. It is important for the customer to understand the services offered by these firms in order to choose the right legal plan for their goals, and also to minimize potential risk of prosecution in Thailand. The following is a general overview of the kinds of organizations delivering legal services in Thailand.

1. International law firms

Generally, these companies focus on big business customers instead of individuals or small businesses. They normally pursue commercial, corporate, securities and business law cases. It's unusual for these companies to accept local or domestic cases or international clients with small legal problems. Their consultation costs normally vary between 300-700 dollars per hour.

2. Local law firms

Although these firms can be quite competitive in Thai legal environment, they may not be very familiar with the issues of the foreigners who live, work or conduct business in Thailand. Although these companies may have all the legal capabilities, foreigners pursuing their assistance may face problems due to the language barrier.

3. Thai law firms with foreign partners

Few firms in Thailand are foreign managed. Foreign lawyers that serve as a link between foreign customers and Thai lawyers may drive these companies. In some cases such firms have certified lawyers with law school degrees from their home countries. Some can speak fluent Thai and have many years of experience in cases involving foreigners in Thailand.

4. Pseudo law firms

Engaging these organizations may be useful in certain circumstances. In cases that require basic assistance and legal expertise, these businesses can provide a budget alternative to a traditional law firm. Although these businesses have attorneys as their employees, an individual who is not a lawyer might supervise the job.

Here are some considerations you should make and questions you should ask before hiring a law firm in Thailand:

1. Check that the law firm you have hired is allowed to practice in Thailand
If your primary contact person is a non-Thai make sure that he is a certified lawyer allowed to practice in Thailand. If possible, ask them for some proof about their qualifications.

2. Make sure that the law firm has a proper registration

Make sure that the law firm you have hired has proper registration to operate in Thailand and has a Thai bank account. They should not ask you to make the payment in some anonymous internet-account.

4. Make sure that the firm is not indulging in activities that are not related to the law

Does the firm has legal counseling as their primary business activity or they offer other services such as business brokerage or mail order bride services?

5. Will they offer evidence of their qualifications to serving you?

Good indicators for legitimacy include memberships in professional law societies, articles published in professional journals and biographies of employees with their educational and professional qualifications.

6. How long has the company been established?

In general, a law practice with at least five years of operation is more likely to stay in business than those with shorter history.