The case gained national attention after the victim appeared on the TV program ’Hon Krasae’ to expose the lawyer’s actions.
Public backlash followed, with many accusing the Phuket Bar Association of protecting its own members and ignoring complaints against the lawyer.
In response, the association, through a statement issued by Phuket Bar Association President Rungnapa Phutkaew, clarified that it has not taken sides and that any lawyer found guilty of misconduct must be held accountable.
The case is currently under review by the Ethics Committee, which operates independently to investigate such matters, Ms Rungnapa said.
“The woman had initially filed a complaint with the national Lawyers Council in Bangkok, not with the Phuket Provincial Bar Association,” Ms Rungnapa explained.
“She just came to ask for advice and did not submit anything. And she insisted on going to file a complaint with the Central Bar Association herself. And we have expedited the process of her case and continued to provide advice,” she said.
While some reports claimed that the association ignored a complaint submitted on Dec 18, Ms Rungnapa added, “the Ethics Committee formally received the case only in February”.
The committee is now following due process, which includes notifying the accused and gathering evidence before proceeding further, Ms Rungnapa said.
Ms Rungnapa emphasised that the Phuket Provincial Bar Association does not have the authority to directly punish lawyers but can forward cases to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary action.
“Penalties for misconduct range from warnings and three-year suspensions to permanent disbarment,” she said.
Ms Rungnapa denied ignoring the issue, saying, “The woman sought legal advice two years ago about threats and domestic violence. She was advised to file cases in Criminal and Juvenile Court, but no official ethics complaint was made against the lawyer at that time.
“Also, the victim decided to submit to the Ethics Committee by herself,” she said.
“However, if you find any lawyer who has violated the lawyer’s etiquette, such as fraud, revealing client information, threatening, bragging about others who already have lawyers, interfering in and stealing clients, boasting about being superior to others, or making inappropriate behaviour, you can file a complaint with the Phuket Provincial Bar Association,” Ms Rungnapa said.
THE STATEMENT
The statement by the Phuket Provincial Bar Association reads in full:
While no ethics complaint was filed with the association in this case, individuals who have been affected by lawyer misconduct are encouraged to submit complaints through the appropriate legal channels.
The association remains dedicated to maintaining professional standards, protecting public trust, and ensuring justice is served.
The association stressed that it remains committed to upholding legal standards and assisting those in need, urging the public to report any unethical behavior by lawyers. Complaints can be filed with the Phuket Bar Association or directly with the Central Bar Association of Thailand in Bangkok.
I must say that the association does not have the duty to consider ethics cases. They have a separate committee, and the process is similar to filing a lawsuit, opening a trial with both parties presenting charges and arguing.
Our job is to provide advice and take care of lawyers in Phuket, provide knowledge, disseminate legal knowledge to the public, and help people who are in need and have not received justice. We send volunteer lawyers to help, or in cases where young people are arrested, we go to listen and help them through the legal process.
As a representative of the Phuket Provincial Bar Association, we have been committed to helping people who are in distress or those who are poor and need a lawyer to defend themselves for free. We also provide advice in various areas. We have developed the knowledge of lawyers to meet the standards.
However, no matter which agency, there are people who break the law. Therefore, it must be in accordance with the rules and laws and be punished according to the law. And we would like to confirm that we are not siding with any lawyers. Those who break the law deserve to be punished.
I would like you to understand that we are protecting our fellow lawyers. It is not true in any way. If the public sees anything, they can report it to the Phuket Provincial Bar Association. We will take action to the Ethics Council.
For further information, concerned individuals can contact the Phuket Provincial Bar Association at 076-384014.