Client Experiences
What Clients Say About Working With Our Chambers
Pension matters are serious, and our clients' words reflect the weight of what they came to resolve. We present their accounts as they gave them.
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Years of Practice
380+
Clients Assisted
4.8
Average Rating
92%
Favourable Dispute Outcomes
Client Accounts
Testimonials
Names and locations are presented as provided. Dates are those on which the review was received.
Martin Hofer
German national, resident Bangkok
I had worked in Germany and Thailand for much of my career and genuinely did not know how my contributions in both countries would be treated when I retired. The Pension Entitlement Review was thorough and the written summary helped me understand my position clearly for the first time. The advice was presented without any pressure to engage further, which I found reassuring.
April 2025
Siriwan Phatthana
Thai national, Chiang Mai
When I received my initial pension calculation I suspected something was wrong — several years of contributions appeared to be missing from the figure. Garuda Counsel reviewed the calculation methodology and submitted a formal appeal on my behalf. The process took around four months, which I understood going in, and the outcome was an adjusted figure that reflected my actual contributions. I appreciated that each step was confirmed in writing before it happened.
March 2025
James Coulter
British national, Phuket
Cross-border pension matters are bewildering when you try to navigate them without guidance. I had contributions in the UK, Australia, and Thailand across thirty years and had no idea how they interacted. The consolidated summary Garuda Counsel prepared was the clearest document I had ever seen on my own pension situation. The advice on the bilateral arrangement between Thailand and my home country was precise and well-referenced.
May 2025
Arisa Kasikorn
Thai national, Bangkok
I am a civil servant approaching retirement and wanted to understand my full position before making any decisions. The written review I received was detailed without being overwhelming. It confirmed some things I already suspected and raised a point about a qualifying period I had overlooked entirely. I found the manner of the advice respectful and unhurried — not something I expected from a legal consultation.
April 2025
Philippe Leroux
French national, Bangkok
The dispute process was slower than I hoped, but I understand that is not within Garuda Counsel's control — it depends on the authority's own timeline. What was within their control — communication, document preparation, accuracy of submissions — was handled well. They kept me informed throughout without my needing to chase. The matter was resolved favourably in the end.
May 2025
Nopparat Bunyarit
Thai national, Nonthaburi
My mother came to Garuda Counsel with a dispute about her pension calculation. As she is not comfortable with written English, I accompanied her to the initial consultation. The team was patient, communicated clearly, and accommodated our situation without making it feel unusual. The outcome of the appeal exceeded what we had anticipated.
March 2025
Case Studies
Selected Matter Summaries
Details have been generalised and identifying information removed. Presented with client consent.
Challenge
A returnee who had worked in Thailand, Japan, and Australia for a combined thirty-two years found that her contribution periods in Japan were not being considered in her Thai pension entitlement assessment, despite an applicable arrangement between the two countries.
Our Approach
We reviewed the contribution records from all three countries, identified the relevant bilateral social security arrangement, prepared a consolidated record summary, and submitted a formal application to the administering authority citing the applicable provisions.
Outcome
The authority revised its assessment to incorporate the Japanese contribution periods. The client's monthly entitlement increased by approximately 34%. The matter was concluded over approximately six months from first appointment.
"The summary document they prepared was the clearest account I had ever seen of my own pension situation."
Challenge
A private-sector employee who had worked with three different employers over twenty years received a Social Security Fund calculation that appeared to exclude contributions made during one period of employment, resulting in a figure the client considered materially incorrect.
Our Approach
We obtained the client's contribution history directly from the fund, compared it with employment records provided by the client, identified the gap in the recorded contributions, and prepared a formal appeal with supporting documentation obtained from the relevant employer.
Outcome
The missing contribution period was confirmed and the calculation revised. The appeal process took approximately five months. The revised entitlement reflected the client's full contribution record.
"Each step was explained clearly. I always knew what was happening and why."
Challenge
A government pension fund member approaching retirement was uncertain whether periods of unpaid leave and part-time work had affected her qualifying period. She had received conflicting informal advice and wanted a clear, documented assessment before making any retirement decisions.
Our Approach
We reviewed her complete service record, examined the relevant GPF rules on qualifying periods, and prepared a written assessment addressing each of the periods in question. We identified one period that required clarification from her employer and advised on how to obtain it.
Outcome
The written assessment gave the client the clear picture she needed. She proceeded with her planned retirement with confidence that her entitlement calculation was sound. No dispute process was necessary.
"I needed clarity, not reassurance. That is exactly what I received."
Reach Us
We Are Available to Discuss Your Circumstances
Address
156 Sathorn Road, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Office Hours
Mon–Fri: 9:00–17:30
Sat: 9:00–12:00
Recognition
Professional Standing
Thai Bar Association
Full practising member since 2011. Pension law as declared area of practice.
Asia-Pacific Pension Law Review 2023
Recognised in the directory for pension rights practice, Southeast Asia region.
Expatriate Advisory Network
Active Bangkok chapter member, providing pension guidance to expatriate communities.
Your Situation
Every Pension Matter Deserves a Careful First Look
Whether you are reviewing your entitlement, questioning a calculation, or untangling a cross-border contribution history — we are prepared to assist. The first step is a conversation.
Arrange a First Appointment