APEC economy: Thailand; Jurisdiction: Thailand
Temporary practice ('fly-in, fly-out' practice)
There is no express rule allowing temporary practice by foreign lawyers.
Limited licensing of foreign lawyers (foreign legal consultant rules)
A foreign lawyer can obtain a limited licence entitling them to offer advisory services in foreign and international law (ie become a foreign legal consultant).
Full licensing
A foreign lawyer cannot obtain a full licence to practise law in this jurisdiction. The relevant impediment is: According to the Lawyers Act VE 2528 (AD 1985), section 35, being a Thai national is one of the required qualifications for registration and obtaining the licence to become a lawyer.
Commercial association between lawyers and law firms
In this jurisdiction:
- local lawyers may be employed by another local lawyer of a local firm;
- local lawyers may be employed by a foreign lawyer or foreign firm;
- foreign lawyers may provide services in some other form of commercial association with local lawyers;
- foreign firms are permitted but not required to establish a commercial presence (a permanent office) to offer advisory services in foreign and international law;
- foreign firms are required to enter into commercial association with local lawyers or law firms.
Other regulatory issues
In this jurisdiction:
- foreign lawyers can establish an office in the absence of enabling legislation;
- there are specific rules in relation to advertising. These rules are the Lawyers Act VE 2528 (AD 1985);
- there are no specific rules in relation to use of names by lawyers or law firms.
Contacts
| Category | Name | Website or other contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation(s) that controls licensing of lawyers | Lawyers Council of Thailand | www.lawyerscouncil.or.th |
Other issues
A foreign lawyer cannot represent his/her client in court. However, he/she can perform legal advisory services if he/she has obtained a work permit for the advisory services.