“One tambon, one lawyer’ scheme launched

PHUKET: Each of Phuket’s 17 sub-districts, or tambon, should soon have its own lawyer, under a new “one tambon, one lawyer” initiative.

The tambon lawyers, who will be paid 7,260 baht a month, will give basic legal advice and information about state laws to residents of the tambon where they work, as well as be responsible for trying to resolve disputes.

The aim is to have one lawyer for each of Phuket’s 17 tambons, though so far only nine have been recruited. They are currently taking part in a three-day training seminar organised by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor).

The lawyers, who must have a bachelor’s degree from a law faculty, will be recruited on one-year contracts.

OrBorJor president Anchalee Vanich Thepabutr said that if the residents of tambons for which lawyers have already been recruited are satisified with their work, the OrBorJor will find lawyers to fill the eight remaining vacancies.

She said the initiative was in line with attempts to improve life for people in Phuket, especially young people, older people, those with disabilities and vulnerable members of the community.

She said, “The lawyers will help tambon residents with legal problems. This should help protect them from being exploited by others because of a lack of knowledge of the law.

“If people know the law, their lives should be better.”