Thailand is one of the most popular countries for overseas property buyers who want to have an income generator, a retreat to spend a couple of months a year or they’ve simply decided to settle down.
Even if Thailand offers a great quality of life and has attracted a huge amount of foreigners over the decades, it’s still developing and things are not as straightforward compared to developed countries. Therefore, a wise choice is to hire a property lawyer, before you transfer those hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars.
But it’s not that easy to find summarized information about local property lawyers. Therefore, I’ve written this article where I list some of the biggest and most reputable firms in Thailand.
Bangkok
Below I’ve listed property solicitors with offices in Bangkok.
1. Chaninat & Leeds
Chaninat & Leeds is an international law firm based in Bangkok and was founded by American and Thai attorneys in 1997.
The team includes both Thai, British and American attorneys with a complete knowledge of Thailand’s legal system and real estate laws. The law firm specializes in offering services to foreigners and managed by the American attorney, Joe Leeds.
Joe leads the team of more than 10 multilingual attorneys. He’s been working as a foreign law consultant in Thailand for more than two decades and specializes in real estate and intellectual property law.
Services offered
Chaninat & Leeds offers a wide range of services in real estate. They can help you with land purchases, condo purchases, leases and usufruct for example.
Address
Suite 10/154, Trendy Office Building, 18th Floor, Sukhumvit Road Soi 13, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand.
2. Anglo Thai Legal
Anglo Thai Legal was established in 2009, it’s an international law firm with offices in both the UK and Thailand.
Their team consists of both Thai and UK nationals. The managing director is Ms. Thanyaphat, a Thai national, while Mr. Christopher Thatcher, a British national, act as the chairman.Christopher also acts as the chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT).
Anglo Thai Legal has a team of 20 attorneys and associates, several of them are English speaking and mostly from the UK.
Services offered
The company offers a wide range of services including help with property related legal issues and documentation.
Office address
133 Sukhumvit Road 57, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
3. GAM Legal Alliance
The GAM Legal Alliance is an association of lawyers in Bangkok and Phuket, the company has several Thai and foreign national attorneys and consultants. The GAM Legal Alliance is a subsidiary of the GAM Business Group.
The manager of the GAM Legal Alliance is Valentine Declercq, who completed his law education in Brussels, Belgium and also worked with litigation and the banking sector in Belgium before moving to Thailand.
The company has a team of around 7-10 multilingual lawyers, both Thai and foreign born.
Services offered
You can get help to buy property in Thailand find other legal and financial services, for example, to transfer property or help with taxation.
They also help with usufructs, servitudes, due diligence, right of habitation, title deeds, property rights in marriage, and superficies.
Office address
22nd Level, Interchange 21 Building, 399 Sukhumvit Road, North Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
4. Siam Legal Bangkok
Siam Legal Thailand Co. Ltd. is the subsidiary of a global law firm, Siam Legal International, that is based in Las Vegas, United States. The head office is based in Bangkok, but they also have 5 more offices in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, Hua Hin and Pattaya.
The company founded in 2000 and is ranked as one of the biggest legal service networks in Thailand, with several foreign and Thai lawyers. The managers at the Bangkok head office are Miguel Karin (British) and Kert Stavron (Australian). The director of client services, Dennis Ramm, a US national.
It is ranked as a Tier 2 law firm for real estate and construction by The Legal 500.
Services offered
Siam Legal can help you to buy property, including land, houses and condos.
They can also offer help with leases, mortgages, title searches, contract reviews, to transfer title, usufructs, superficies, servitudes and help with escrow accounts.
Office address
Interchange 21 Building, 23rd Floor, 399 Sukhumvit Road, North Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
The company has offices in Pattaya and Phuket as well.
5. DFDL
DFDL is a global law firm and was founded in Laos in 1994. The focus region of DFDL is Southeast Asia with offices located in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.
The Bangkok office was founded in 2005, they later established two more offices in Phuket and Samui.
The management and team consists of Thai and foreign nationals. David Doran is the founding partner and chairman who relocated to Thailand in 2005. The country manager is Audray Souche.
The company has received several awards in the last few years, including:
a. Tier 1 firm by IFLR 1000
b. Tier 3 firm by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific – Real estate and construction category
c. Highly recommended company by AsiaLaw Profiles.
Services offered
DFDL can help you with all kinds of legal matters related to real estate.
Office address
No. 3, Rajanakarn Building, AA Floor, South Sathorn Road, Yannawa Sub-District, Sathorn District, Bangkok Metropolis 10120, Thailand
6. Allen & Overy
Allen & Overy is a well-known UK based global brand with presence in Thailand. With 44 offices in more than 30 countries, it’s ranked among the world’s largest law firms.
The head office of the Thailand branch is based in Bangkok. Stephen Jaggs, a British national, is the manager at Bangkok office. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a lawyer in the UK and Hong Kong.
The lawyers at Allen & Overy are ranked in Tier 1 or Tier 2 in all Legal 500 Directories.
Services offered
Allen & Overy offers a wide range of services, for example to buy property, leasing, construction, real estate finance and more. They help both corporations and individual clients.
Office address
Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co., Ltd., 23rd Floor, Sindhorn Tower III, 130-132 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
7. Baker & McKenzie
Baker & McKenzie is a leading international law firm based in the United States. The company has around 80 offices and 13,000 employees worldwide, which makes it the second biggest law firm in the world and the biggest in Asia Pacific.
The head office is based in Bangkok and the company has 250 international and Thai lawyers nationally. Baker & McKenzie Thailand is ranked as the tier 1 real estate and construction law firm by The Legal 500.
Services offered
The company can help with buying and leasing, mergers & acquisitions, real estate transactions, taxes, finances and construction.
Office address
25th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
8. Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP is an international brand based in London (UK) with offices in 26 countries. It’s one of the biggest law firms globally and set up their first office in 1996. The company decided to close their Bangkok office in 2017. The services in Thailand are now offered from their Singapore office.
Services offered
They mostly help corporate clients with legal matters in the real estate industry.
Office address
Clifford Chance, Singapore, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 25th Floor, Tower 3, 12 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018982
9. Tilleke & Gibbins International
Tilleke & Gibbins International is one of the biggest law firms in Thailand. Founded in 1890, it’s also the oldest law firm in the country. In addition to their regional head office in Bangkok, they also have 6 more offices in Southeast Asia.
The Bangkok office is managed by several English speaking and local partners including Aaron Le Marque, Alan Adcock, and David Lyman.
David Lyman is currently serving as the chairman of the company. He’s a US national who previously served in the US Navy for 15 years.
Tilleke & Gibbins International is ranked as a tier 3 law firm by The Legal 500.
Services offered
The company helps both corporate and individual clients with legal services.
Office address
Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd., Supalai Grand Tower, 26th Floor, 1011 Rama 3 Road, Chongnonsi, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
10. Blumenthal Richter & Sumet
Blumenthal Richter & Sumet is a well-known law firm that has been operating in Thailand since 1976. The team consist of both US, European, and Thai nationals.
The company is ranked as the leading law firm in Thailand by The Legal 500 and Chambers, both leading legal directories. For real estate and construction, it’s rated as a tier 3 law firm by The Legal 500.
The team consists of around 40 partners and lawyers. The managing partners include Andreas C. Richter, who is a Thai-German national, Ira. E. Blumenthal (American) and Mr. Sumet, who is Thai. Mr. Sumet is an active member of the Thai Bar Association and the Law Society of Thailand.
Services offered
They offer help for property sales and lease documentation, right of habitation, land ownership rights under BOI privileges, land survey and inspections, due diligence, acquisitions, usufruct, superficies, and servitude.
Office address
Abdulrahim Place, 31st Floor, 990 Rama 4 Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
11. LS Horizon Limited
LS Horizon Limited is a leading regional firm operating in Southeast Asia. They have several offices in Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Singapore. The law firm has more than 50 lawyers, including many international attorneys.
It’s ranked as a tier 3 law firm for real estate and Construction by The Legal 500.
Services offered
They offer services related to corporate real estate. The services include mergers and acquisitions, disposition of properties and real estate development.
Office address
14th Floor, GPF Witthayu Tower A, 93/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Phatumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
12. Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners
The Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners (WC&P) was first established in 1993 as White & Case LLC, but later changed its name in 2009.
It’s ranked as one of the biggest law firms in Thailand, offering a full range of services to Thai and international clients. The team consists of 85 international and Thai lawyers.
According to The Legal 500, It’s a tier 2 law firm for real estate construction.
Services offered
They offer a wide range of legal services to corporate clients related to engineering, construction, development, finance and other legal issues.
Office address
Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners Ltd., 22nd Floor, Mercury Tower, 540 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
13. Siam Premier
Siam Premier was founded in 1990 and evolved into becoming a leading law firm in Thailand. The head office is based in Bangkok where they have a team of over 80 lawyers. They also have two more offices in Yangon (Myanmar), and Vientiane (Lao).
The company is a tier 2 law firm for real estate and construction, according to The Legal 500 Directories.
Services offered
They offer all kinds services, for example, to transfer property and other real estate related matters.
Office address
The Offices at CENTRAL WORLD, 26th Floor, 999/9 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
Pattaya
Below I’ve listed property solicitors with offices in Pattaya.
1. Magna Carta
Magna Carta Law Office is a well-known local law firm in Pattaya that was established in 2003. It’s a subsidiary of Magna Carta Group of Companies that also owns MC Property Thailand.
Their team of lawyers and consultants include Thai, German, Russian, and British nationals.
The founder and CEO of Magna Carta Law Office is Mr. Chalermwat Wimuktayon. He’s also the acting chairman of The Lawyers Association of Pattaya Provincial Court.
Services offered
They can help you with conveyancing, property transactions, condo management, due diligence, legal real estate documentation and building permits.
Office address
193/126-8 South Pattaya Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150 Thailand
2. Pattaya Solicitors
Also known as the DMC Inter Law & Consultants, Pattaya Solicitors is a well-known local law firm.
They offer services to local and international clients and have a multilingual team ready to help foreign clients. The chairperson of the company is Ms. Chantima Watcharapongwanit, who is a well-reputed lawyer in Pattaya.
Services offered
They offer services to help you with Thai Property Law, property purchase and sale, transfer or property, and similar documentation and process.
Office address
20/173 , Moo 10, South Pattaya Road, Pattaya City, Nongprue, Banglaung, Chonburi 20150
Phuket
Below I’ve listed property solicitors with offices in Phuket.
1. Haris & Associates
Haris & Associates is well-established law firm based in Phuket with another office in Bangkok. The founder and CEO of the law firm is Haris Boonsop, who is a well-known lawyer in Phuket. He’s also registered with the Thai Law Society of Phuket.
He also has a team of multilingual staff, ready to offer legal services to local and foreign nationals. In addition to a law degree, he also has a Masters degree in Physics. He is also a member of the Thai Bar Association, Muslim Lawyers Club of Thailand, and the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Services offered
The services offered by Haris & Association include representation of tenants, buyers, landlords, lenders, and developers. In addition, they also offer legal services related to property transfer and other legal issues.
Office address
B104 88/9 Software Park Phuket, Chaofa West Road, Moo 2 Vichit, Mueang Phuket
2. Juslaws & Consult
Juslaws & Consult is a leading law firm in Phuket with its head office in Bangkok. The law firm was co-founded by Mr. Yuthana Promsin, and Ms. Kunnika Limkul. They also have another office in Hong Kong.
The team of lawyers and consultants at Juslaws & Consult include Thai, German, French, Russian, and American nationals.
The law firm was founded in 2004 in Bangkok, but later expanded to Phuket.
Services offered
They can help you to buy property in Phuket, including land, houses, villas, and condominiums. Other services include due diligence, property transfer documentation, and contract revisions.
Offiec address
The Royal Place 96/66 Moo.1 Kathu, Kathu, Phuket 83120. Thailand
3. Hughes Krupica
Hughes Krupica was founded in 2013 in Phuket but also has an office in Bangkok.
Desmond Hughes, a British national, is the owner of the law firm. He’s a qualified UK solicitor who practiced law in the real estate sector in London before moving to Thailand. The company has an international team of 20 multilingual lawyers and consultants.
Services offered
They can assist you with property sales, leasehold agreements, to buy houses and condominiums, building ownership interests, and other legal matters related to real estate in Phuket.
Office address
Hughes Krupica Consulting Co. Ltd., 23/123-5 Moo 2 Kohkaew Plaza, The Phuket Boat Lagoon, T. Kohkaew Amphoe Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand
Hua Hin
Below I’ve listed property solicitors with offices in Hua Hin.
1. Chavalit & Partners
Chavalit & Partners is a subsidiary of a well-known law firm, the SCL Law Group, that helps foreigners to buy property in Hua Hin. The company has three more offices in Bangkok, Vientiane (Laos), and Yangon (Myanmar).
The parent company was founded in 2005 and now owns 8 law firms working in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Lao. They also have a multilingual management and lawyers.
Mr. Chavalit Uttasart is the managing and founding partner of the SCL Law Group and studied Law in Thailand and the UK. Mr. Vira Kammee is also a founding partner who studied law in Thailand, UK, and the US.
Services offered
Chavalit & Partners helps corporate and individual clients with sales and purchases of land, houses, condominiums. Services include usufruct, leases, disposals, mortgages, right of servitudes, due diligence, and development planning.
Office address
19/51 Soi 19 (Wat Klaikangwon) Prachuab Kirikhan, Petchkasem Road Tambon Hua Hin, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
2. Legal Services Hua Hin
Legal Services Hua Hin is a local law firm that offers a wide range of legal services to foreigners. They have a small team of English-speaking lawyers and consultants.
Services offered
They can help you with due diligence, to buy property, ownership of real estate, lease agreements, property taxes, and other legal matters related to real estate.
Office address
Units 1 & 2, Makro Food Services, 58/164 Soi 4, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77110 Thailand
How much does it cost to hire a property solicitor in Thailand?
Fees differ depending on what services you choose and what company you decide to work with. Some Solicitors charge fixed fees for services like title searches, due diligence and others. You’ll also come across firms that charge on an hourly basis.
Normally, you need to pay around USD 250 per hour, but as mentioned, fees vary. I’ve included some examples of services and fixed fees provided from Isaan Lawyers below:
a. Lease agreement: THB 7000 (around USD 225)
b. Land/House purchase agreement: THB 9500 (around USD 300)
c. Professional negotiations to lower the selling price, transfer fees, stamp duties: THB 10,000 (around USD 325)
Some firms can also charge different fees depending on the property value. All in all, the total amount you should expect to pay a solicitor when buying a condo for example is around USD 1300 – 4000.
It is so good to know about the work you guys are going as I was planning to buy a property in Thailand. I am sure that making a lawyer go over the paperwork would be good for me.