From "Class" to "Independent": The 15-Year, 11-Month Epic That Changed the Face of the Thai Lawyer Profession

1.Introduction: When a lawyer does not have the same "dignity," everyone

Have you ever imagined that in the past, being a lawyer didn't mean you could walk into any court across the country? Imagine that you were a fully knowledgeable lawyer, but that you were banned from going to neighboring provinces simply because of the type of license held. This disparity is not only a matter of space, but a long-standing "barrier of dignity" and the independence of the legal profession. This is a decade-long story of the struggle to break down the class system and establish the "House of Lawyers" as we see it today.

2. The "class" system and the boundary wall of lawyers

If we look back at the Lawyers Act of the past (1914, 1965, and 1971), we will find a system that divides lawyers into two classes, which has alarmingly different rights and "controls":

* First-class lawyer: The examiner is a bar association, entitled to "throughout the kingdom."

* Second-class attorneys: Although they had a bachelor's degree, there were huge restrictions. In the 1914 era, they had to be "questioned for qualifications by an appeals court judge" to allow them only in Bangkok or the districts as specified. If they wanted to ask for special permission once.

* Evolution of the Wall: Later in 1965, a second-class lawyer that it had not exceeded 5 consecutive provinces, and expanded to 10 provincial districts in 1971.

Historical analysis: This system acts as a "Judicial Gatekeeping," or judicial extraction, contrary to current professional instincts, because justice should not be limited by geographical dividing lines. The virtual space restriction is a stigma that the ability of this group of lawyers is "unworthy" of common ground, which affects the right of citizens to choose the legal counsel they trust.

Knowledge: Know? Although there is no lawyer stratification at present, in the current Thai court's "lawyer's certificate," lawyers still have to fill in the word "throughout the kingdom" in the jurisdiction, although in law everyone automatically assumes this right, but it is a historical trace that still survives.

3. Epic battle 15 years 11 months

Independence does not come out of luck, but from a 15-year, 11-month-long coalition with the following interesting signs:

* 1970: Lawyers Guild unanimously, demanding independent professions and requesting separation from the control of the Bar Association.

* 1974: Mr. Marut Bunnak proposed the first draft of the Lawyers' Council Act, but the legislature passed out before the matter was pending.

* 1983: A major consolidation of lawyers across the country to push the law again, in an era when Mr. Udai was the speaker of the House of Representatives.

* July 1985: Parliament (both the House of Representatives and the Senate) unanimously passes the bill.

* September 10, 1985: King Rama IX was monogram in the Lawyer's Act.

* September 19, 1985: Notice in the Gazette, Special Edition, Volume 102, Part 129.

* 18 December 1985: The Lawyers' Council is fully established in accordance with the law.

This success is due to the right political "rhythm and opportunity," as his resolute promise was:

"If you can't push this era, it will be difficult."

4. "All-Star" who is behind the success.

This level of success relies on "real people" who have both prestige and authority to negotiate:

* Mr. Marut Bunnak: The Minister of Justice, who spearheaded the bill into the Cabinet.

* Mr. Sukhok, Ten Thousand Money, and Mr. Sukhoi: A prominent MP in the House of Representatives.

* Dr. Uk Krishna Auspicious Navin: President of the Senate and Speaker of Parliament, who plays a key role in ordering the packing of the draft and supporting it in the legislative tactic.

* Dr. Calculation Schloopron: The First Lawyer's Council President, Who Was a Essential Piece of the Jigsaw Puzzle

Key Analysis: At the heart of this victory was the "relationship and trust," especially the role of Dr. Calculation, who was then a senator. He was very close and trusted by Udai, who made a lot of connections between "lawmakers" and "professionals" through this high-level connection that successfully put forward the long-overdue bill.

5. Complicated relationship with the Bar Association

In the past, all lawyers were like subordinates to the Bar Association, having to register and pay fees. When they asked for secession, the Bar Association was in a position of "letting go but not letting go of all."

The result came in the form of a "Compromise," requiring lawyers to change their status from under control to "Extraordinary Members" of the Bar Association, who still have to pay membership fees. The interesting point is that the English membership card indicates the word "Expert" to reflect the expertise of this group of extraordinary members, a solution called "Soft Exit," to maintain the relationship between legal organizations.

6. Redefinition of "equity" and future direction

As a result of the long struggle, Thai lawyers today stand gracefully:

* Dignity in the hearing room: Lawyers have status equivalent to prosecutors and adversary litigants.

* Rights that come with duties: This equity is redeemed with responsibility. Lawyers must know the scope of jurisdiction, understand the violation of jurisdiction, and make appropriate arguments in accordance with professional ethics.

* Non-stop: Despite the nearly 40 years of age of the Lawyers Council, history continues to be written. Currently (2025), a task force is being set up to revise the Lawyers' Act in line with modern social conditions to keep the profession on track in a changing world.

7. Conclusions and Thinking Questions

The history of the Lawyers' Council is not just a matter of legal character, it is the "battle record" of senior lawyers who gave up sacrifices and made great efforts to get the word "independent."

Let's think: In modern times, where we have our own council of lawyers, we have the right to have all over the kingdom from the first day of our license, as a new generation, how can we maintain and develop this "dignity" in an age when justice is challenged by technology and higher social expectations?

Because studying the history of lawyers is studying the history of fighting for ourselves as lawyers.