Our Practice, Our Principles
A considered approach to legal counsel, grounded in the values of clarity, respect, and professional integrity.
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How Doi Threshold Came to Be
Doi Threshold was established in Chiang Mai with a straightforward purpose: to offer accessible, well-considered legal advisory services to individuals and families — both Thai nationals and the growing community of expatriates living and working in Northern Thailand.
The name itself draws on the Thai word "doi," meaning mountain, and the English "threshold" — a point of transition. Many of our clients come to us at exactly such a point: planning a marriage, relocating to Thailand, structuring an inheritance, or navigating the paperwork that accompanies a new chapter in life.
From the beginning, the practice has been shaped by a belief that legal guidance works best when it is unhurried and responsive to individual circumstances. Rather than volume-driven case management, we work with a manageable number of clients at any given time, allowing each engagement the attention it deserves.
Our office is situated along Huay Kaew Road, within comfortable reach of the city centre and the university district. Clients tell us they appreciate the quiet, practical environment — it sets the right tone for the kinds of conversations we have.
Our Values
What Guides Our Work
Transparency
Clients receive clear explanations of their options, the relevant legal framework, and the costs involved. We do not obscure information or rely on jargon where plain language will do.
Client Autonomy
Our role is to inform and advise — not to pressure. We present the landscape, explain the implications, and leave the final decisions where they belong: with you.
Discretion
Every engagement is confidential. From family law matters to estate arrangements, your personal and financial information is handled with the care and professionalism it warrants.
Cultural Sensitivity
Working at the intersection of Thai law and international clients requires careful attention to cultural context. We bridge that gap with sensitivity and practical awareness.
Thoroughness
We take the time to understand not just the legal question, but the broader context. Every recommendation considers the full picture of a client's situation and goals.
Respect
Legal matters are often personal. We treat each client with courtesy, patience, and genuine concern for their well-being — not just their case file.
Our Team
The People Behind the Practice
Somchai Kittisak
Managing Counsel
Over fifteen years of practice in Thai civil and family law. Somchai leads engagements with a focus on thoughtful, client-first counsel, drawing on broad experience across the northern provinces.
Nattaya Phromdi
Immigration Advisory Lead
Specialising in visa compliance and employer permit requirements, Nattaya brings precision and patience to the complex documentation processes that come with cross-border living.
James Whitfield
Estate & Succession Advisor
A UK-qualified solicitor now based in Chiang Mai, James provides invaluable perspective on cross-border estate matters, particularly for clients holding assets in multiple jurisdictions.
Professional Standards
Our Commitment to Quality
Lawyers Council Registration
All advisory staff maintain active registration with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Data Protection Compliance
Client information is stored and processed in line with Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
Documented Engagement Terms
Every engagement begins with a written agreement specifying scope, timeline, and fees.
Continuing Development
Team members attend regular professional development courses to stay current with legislative changes.
Legal Expertise in Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai has grown into a significant centre for both Thai professionals and international residents. With this growth comes an increasing need for legal advisory services that understand the nuances of living, working, and planning a future in Thailand. Doi Threshold was founded to meet that need — providing attentive, informed counsel in areas that matter most to the people living in this region.
Our family law advisory supports clients through prenuptial arrangements, domestic partnership questions, and custodial considerations, all within the framework of Thailand's Civil and Commercial Code. For expatriates and employers managing international staff, our immigration practice streamlines the often complex process of visa applications, extensions, work permits, and compliance reporting.
Estate planning, particularly for individuals with assets across borders, requires a methodical approach. Our ten-week programme provides the structure and time needed to address wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and property transfers while accounting for both Thai regulations and the relevant rules of other jurisdictions where assets may be held.
We maintain strong working relationships with government offices, certified translators, and notarial services in the Chiang Mai area, allowing us to support clients through the practical steps of legal processes, not just the advisory components.
Begin a Conversation With Us
If you have a legal matter that could benefit from careful, informed guidance, we would welcome the chance to hear from you.
Get in Touch