Child custody disputes between parents can arise during a divorce or separation, or between unmarried parents. Thailand family laws provide that both lawful parents have full custody rights regarding their children. However this equality with regard to child custody rights between lawful parents can be changed by a court order, such as in a divorce case in Thai courtor a divorce settlement agreement executed in conjunction with an administrative divorce.

Child custody cases are decided in Thailand family courts. The main consideration used by the courts in determining custody is what is in the best interest of the child.

An integral part of the Thai family court system is the role of the Observation and Protection office. The Observation and Protection Center is a division of the Thailand court system to allow for a preliminary social worker evaluation of the parents and the child involved in a child custody dispute. The report of the OPC is forwarded to the Family Court to assist with determination of the child custody issues.

The Observation and Protection Center is a division of the Thailand court system to allow for a preliminary social worker evaluation of the parents and the child involved in a child custody dispute. The report of the OPC is forwarded to the Family Court to assist with determination of the child custody issues.

Relevant Experience

Chaninat and Leeds' family law lawyers have decades of courtroom and counseling experience in family law matters, including child custody, child support, and other related issues. Our expertise includes domestic child custody cases within Thailand as well as international child custody disputes.

Our firm has extensive experience in disputed child custody cases. In additional we also have skilled investigators for uncovering relevant evidence in disputed custody cases.

Chaninat and Leeds' senior attorneys have testified as expert witnesses in Thailand child custody law matters in foreign courts including UK courts, US courts and Australians courts.

Our primary objective in all child custody cases is to win cases and defend our client's interests. However, given the sensitive nature of child custody cases, we also understand the importance of compassion, understanding, and patience.

Resources:

• For U.S citizens please refer to U.S Embassy Page on Child Custody and Parental Consent Policy
• For U.K citizens please refer to U.K Embassy Page on Childcare and Parenting in the case of divorce, separation or legal issues
• For more information on child custody in Thailand, please refer to Thailand Child Custody Lawyer and Thailand Parental Rights Database