Our Story
Where we come from
Mettatham was founded in Bangkok by a small group of lawyers who had each spent years in broader legal practice and come to the same conclusion: family matters need a different kind of attention. Not faster, not more assertive — just more human.
The name Mettatham draws from the Thai concept of metta — a quality of goodwill that extends to all people, including those going through difficulty. We felt it described what we were trying to do: bring genuine care into a field that can easily become cold and procedural.
Our practice is focused entirely on family law. Divorce and separation, child custody and support arrangements, and family mediation are what we do every day — not as a department within a larger firm, but as the whole of our work. That focus shapes how we think and how we communicate with clients.
Our Mission
What we are here to do
Our mission is straightforward: help families in Thailand navigate legal transitions with as much clarity and as little additional stress as possible. We do not define success by how quickly we close a case. We define it by whether a client leaves the process feeling that their situation was genuinely understood and handled with care.
We work with Thai nationals and international families living in Bangkok, and we are comfortable supporting clients across different cultural backgrounds and family structures. Thai family law is our home territory, and we know it well enough to explain it plainly.
"We try to be the kind of advisors a family member might turn to — honest, steady, and unhurried."
— Founding Principle, Mettatham
Our Team
The people behind Mettatham
Praewa Phiromrak
Senior Family Law Advisor
With fifteen years in Thai family court, Praewa leads divorce and separation matters. She is known for taking time with clients who feel uncertain about where to begin.
Suthida Wattana
Child Welfare & Custody Specialist
Suthida focuses on custody and child support arrangements. Her background in child welfare adds a practical dimension to how she thinks about parenting plans.
Nattawut Kongkaew
Mediation Practitioner
Nattawut has trained in both Thai mediation practice and international conflict resolution. He facilitates sessions that feel structured but never confrontational.
Standards We Follow
How we maintain quality and trust
Thai Bar Association Membership
All practising members of Mettatham hold current membership with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, maintaining their standing through ongoing professional obligations.
Client Confidentiality Protocol
We follow a strict internal confidentiality framework. Client information is accessible only to the advisors directly involved in a matter and is never shared externally.
Secure Document Handling
Family law matters involve sensitive documents. We handle all physical and digital records with care, using access controls and secure storage to protect client materials.
Clear Communication Standards
We hold ourselves to a standard of plain language in all client communication. Legal terminology is always explained, and we do not assume prior knowledge of court procedures.
Ongoing Professional Development
Thai family law changes. Our team engages in continuing legal education each year, including seminars from the Lawyers Council and specialist family law organisations.
Conflict of Interest Review
Before accepting any new instruction, we conduct an internal check to confirm there is no conflict of interest. Families can be confident their advisor's attention is undivided.
Our Expertise
Family law in Thailand, approached with care
Family law in Thailand sits within the Civil and Commercial Code, which governs marriage, divorce, parental rights, and property division. For families working through these matters, understanding how the law applies to their specific situation — rather than receiving a general overview — makes a real difference to the decisions they face.
At Mettatham, we work within Bangkok's family court system and the local district office processes that handle many divorce registrations. We understand the practical steps involved in each type of proceeding and can help clients prepare for them without feeling rushed or underprepared.
For international families or expatriates living in Thailand, there are additional considerations around jurisdiction, recognition of foreign judgments, and cross-border custody. These are areas where having advisors familiar with both Thai law and international family law practice provides meaningful support.
Whether a family is working toward an agreed resolution or navigating a contested situation, we offer the same steady approach — careful listening, plain advice, and consistent support through each step of the process.
Start a Conversation
Ready to talk through your situation?
We welcome enquiries from families at any stage — whether you are just starting to think about your options or already need practical help.
Get in Touch