subject: How To Successfully Negotiate The Thai Law Administration System [print this page] One of the most striking things about the experience of living and doing business overseas is just how different every little aspect of life can be. From the way you look at people when you are speaking, to the questions you must answer on forms, everything is strange. In Thailand, many aspects of your dealings with the Thai law administration and bureaucratic departments are based on underlying assumptions that foreigners simply do not understand. Of course, having a friendly and understanding Thailand corporate legal service helps, but there are plenty of issues that will have to be negotiated on your own. Today we check out some of the most common questions and clarifications that foreigners need when dealing with the Thai law administration system.
Personal dealings with the Thai law administration
You should find that in most of your dealings with the bureaucracy in Thailand, the officials you'll encounter are quite helpful. They are helpful not only to nationals, but also to foreigners. If your request cannot be fulfilled, most Thai law administrators will take the time to explain exactly why it cannot be done, and what other options are available. Of course, to have this sort of experience, Thai law firms definitely recommend that you also put your most friendly and helpful tone of voice on...
Disclosing nationality, ethnicity and religion
While in some Western societies these are regarded as quite private elements, separate from any government dealings, in Thailand they are standard on forms. However, these questions are believed more to be an expression of the Thai need for classification and separation rather than a conspiracy to racially profile and discriminate against you.
Translation of Thai law documents
Thai legal service documents can thankfully be delivered in either Thai or English, however any other language needs to be translated into Thai (not English), and in most cases the Thai Embassy has to certify the translation as correct before the forms can be handed onto another government department. If you are depending on the translation for official matters, it is easier to be physically present in Thailand, and easily able to communicate with your Thai law firm if necessary.
Waiting times for Thai administration
As in most countries around the world, waiting times for government services are not short. It is recommended that you engage your Thai legal service to handle anything that they are legally allowed to, and only attend in person if absolutely necessary. Average waiting time for immigration-related matters is around 2 hours - so if you are well prepared it is not a burden.
Paperwork, signatures and formalities
Many foreigners comment on the prevalence of paperwork and the frequent need for signatures under business law in Thailand. It is usually derisively referred to as red tape - however, the need for formalities and signatures is actually an inherent part of Thai culture, which has a well-defined hierarchy. Many Thai lawyers have to assure their clients that yes, somebody reads every one of the forms you sign, and yes, all of them are necessary, stored and referred to in the future.
