Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Isaan Lawyers
Welcome to the Isaan Lawyers FAQ page. As a recognized leader in providing specialized legal and accounting services in Thailand (operating as part of the ILI Legal Group since 2007), we proudly represent expats, overseas nationals, and the Thai community domestically and internationally.
1. General & Consultation Questions
Who is Isaan Lawyers, and where are you located?
Isaan Lawyers is a multinational firm of English-speaking Thai attorneys, international solicitors, barristers, accountants, and consultants. We operate under an Alternate Business Structure (ABS) that allows us to work alongside global legal networks.
Corporate Head Office: 1849/13 Suebsiri Road (Times Square), Amphur Mueang, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand, 30000.
Areas of Coverage: While rooted in the Isaan region (Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, etc.), we provide expert representation nationwide, including Bangkok, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.
Do you have native English-speaking legal professionals?
Yes. Our CEO and Foreign Affairs Client Manager is a fully qualified, practicing British Lawyer and Duty Lawyer (England & Wales). We have English speaking Lawyers and barristers together with accountants and translators We excel at translating complex Thai statutory requirements into clear, understandable legal advice for international clients.
What are your operating hours and how do I schedule a consultation?
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We offer in-person office visits, telephone consults, and secure online video conferences so you can manage your affairs remotely from anywhere in the world.
- Phone: +66 (0) 84 471 5775
- Email: info@isaanlawyers.com
What are your consultation and billing structures?
We pride ourselves on cost-effective, transparent pricing. We offer flat fixed fees for many standard legal services. For tailored consultations, our standard rates are:
- Consultation (Thai/English-speaking lawyer): ฿1,000 for 30 minutes / ฿2,000 per hour.
- Consultation (British lawyer/International manager): ฿1,250 for 30 minutes / ฿2,500 per hour.
- Non-Fixed Legal Matters / Custom Research: From ฿3,500 per hour (plus required expenses).
We also offer transparent, tiered pricing for detailed email reviews and formal advice based on the length and depth of your inquiry.
2. Property & Real Estate Law
Can a foreigner legally buy or own property in Thailand?
Foreigners can own condominiums completely in their own name, provided the building’s overall foreign quota does not exceed 49%. Under the Thailand Land Code, foreigners are prohibited from directly owning land in their name. However, robust legal alternatives exist to perfectly safeguard your residential or commercial real estate assets.
How can I protect my real estate investments in Isaan or elsewhere?
Our dedicated property law department utilizes highly secure, legally recognized instruments registered at the local Land Department to protect your capital:
- Registered Long-Term Leases: Up to 30 years with strong, contractually sound renewal options.
- Usufruct Rights (Sitthi-Kep-Kin): Grants you a lifetime right to occupy, manage, and use the land.
- Superficies Agreements: Grants you separate legal ownership over any buildings or structures built on the land.
- Sap Ing Sith: A modern property right offering vast flexibility over land use and transferability.
We strongly recommend executing Due Diligence and a professional Title Search before transferring any funds to developers or private sellers.
3. Family Law & Estate Planning
Can you assist with Thai prenuptial agreements and divorces?
Yes. Our family law division handles personal and matrimonial matters with strict confidentiality:
- Prenuptial Agreements: Tailored to comply with both Thai Civil law and your home nation’s legal criteria, registered concurrently at the local Amphur office during marriage.
- Divorce & Custody: We represent clients in both uncontested administrative divorces and contested litigation before the Thai Family Court, aggressively securing your interests in marital asset division, child custody, and child support.
I have an international Will. Do I still need a separate Thai Will?
Yes, it is vital. Administering a foreign Will in Thailand requires expensive certified translations, diplomatic legalization, and an arduous probate process in Thai courts. A specific Thai Last Will and Testament ensures your local assets (such as Isaan property, bank accounts, vehicles, or company stakes) are seamlessly passed to your chosen heirs without unnecessary bureaucratic gridlock.
4. Corporate Law & Accounting Services
How do I set up a Thai Limited Company and obtain a Work Permit?
Setting up a Thai Limited Company is an efficient vehicle for operating businesses or commercial investments in Thailand.
- Ownership: Under general statutory limits, Thai citizens must hold at least 51% of corporate shares, while foreign shareholding is capped at 49% (unless structured via BOI incentives or special international treaties).
- Work Permits: To support a foreign director’s work permit, the company usually requires a minimum of ฿2,000,000 in registered capital and must employ 4 Thai nationals per foreign staff member. We manage the entire loop: business setups, licensing, corporate banking, and visa compliance.
Do you provide ongoing monthly accounting and annual audits?
Yes. Through our specialized accounting arm, we handle recurring bookkeeping, social security filings, monthly withholding taxes, and the mandatory annual audited financial statements required by the Thai Revenue Department and Ministry of Commerce.
5. Visa & Immigration Services
Which Thai Visas can your firm help me secure?
We assist expats with seamless visa processing, handling complex paperwork for:
- Retirement Visas (Non-Immigrant O / OA / OX)
- Marriage Visas (based on marriage to a Thai citizen)
- Business Visas (Non-B) & Work Permits
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visas and Thailand Privilege Visas
Can you help my Thai partner obtain a UK or international visa?
Yes. Working alongside our UK offices and international consultants, we specialize in **UK Visa applications** from Thailand (including UK Settlement, Spouse, Fiancee, and Visitor Visas). We also facilitate official certified document translations and legalizations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
6. Civil Litigation & Criminal Law
What should I do if I am facing criminal or civil disputes in Thailand?
Thai legal processes move quickly, and criminal matters often involve immediate detention risks. If you are facing legal friction, contact us immediately. Our trial lawyers provide urgent **police station representation, formal bail applications**, and aggressive courtroom defense across Thailand’s civil and criminal courts.
What is your Pre-Dispute Resolution Service (PDRS)?
Court litigation can be incredibly time-consuming and costly. Our Proactive Pre-Dispute Resolution Service (PDRS) acts as an alternative framework, deploying mediation and negotiation strategies to settle breach of contract, property disagreements, or debt recovery conflicts out of court whenever possible.
Need Tailored Legal Assistance?
Every case has unique nuances. Contact Isaan Lawyers today to discuss your specific requirements with our expert team.



