“Lawyer Kaew” Clears the Air Amid Controversy Over Legal Fees and Client Dispute
In a recent turn of events,Dr. Monchai Jongkarnrattanakul, widely known as “Lawyer Kaew”, has addressed allegations surrounding a contentious legal fee dispute with a client referred to as “Golden snow decoration crab”. The case has sparked widespread debate, shedding light on the complexities of legal agreements and client expectations.
The controversy began when “Golden snow decoration crab” publicly criticized Lawyer Kaew for charging 1.5 hundred thousand baht for handling defamation cases. The client claimed that the lawyer failed to sign a request to postpone an appointment with an inquiry officer at the Thonglor police station, leading to a demand for a refund. Lawyer Kaew initially returned 60,000 baht, followed by an additional 40,000 baht, leaving 50,000 baht unresolved. The client argued that the remaining amount was unjustified, stating that similar legal services typically cost between 1,000 to 3,000 baht, with a maximum of 5,000 baht for straightforward cases.
In response, Lawyer Kaew defended his actions during a public statement on January 29, 2025, asserting that he had fulfilled his professional obligations. “refund? Some parts have already been used to work. Call him 1.5 hundred thousand. There are 2 cases. The case is 7.5 thousand per case,” he explained. He emphasized that certain tasks, such as signing postponement requests, were the client’s responsibility, not the lawyer’s. “In the case of not doing,it is not an employment contract. But what was not signed was that some of the accused had to sign to postpone with the inquiry official.Not the duty of the lawyer must sign. And some work has been done.”
The dispute escalated when the client allegedly sought to “curse the media” and pressured Lawyer Kaew to engage in public confrontations. ”He wanted me to go to curse that person out to the media.I said that the lawyer personality is not the same. he saw that he was not satisfied.He withdrew me and I was wrong,” lawyer Kaew recounted. He also addressed the client’s claim that the work coudl be done for 1,000 baht, stating, “If one thousand can be done, too.”
The case has raised questions about the openness of legal fees and the dynamics between lawyers and their clients.Below is a summary of the key points:
| Key Aspect | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Legal Fee charged | 1.5 hundred thousand baht for defamation cases |
| Refund Issued | 100,000 baht (60,000 baht + 40,000 baht) |
| Remaining Dispute | 50,000 baht |
| Client’s Claim | Similar services cost 1,000 – 5,000 baht |
| Lawyer’s Defense | Work was completed; signing postponement requests is the client’s duty |
this incident highlights the importance of clear dialog and mutual understanding in legal engagements. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder for both legal professionals and clients to establish transparent agreements from the outset.
For more insights into legal disputes and professional ethics, explore related stories on Lawyer Kaew
Openness in Legal Fees: An Insightful Interview with Lawyer Kaew amid Controversy
Table of Contents
In the wake of a recent legal fee dispute involving renowned attorney Dr. Monchai Jongkarnrattanakul, widely known as Lawyer Kaew, questions about transparency and client-lawyer relationships have taken center stage. The case, which stemmed from a disagreement over fees for handling defamation cases, has sparked a broader discussion about professional ethics and clear communication in legal engagements.Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sits down with Dr. Somchai Pongtorn,a legal ethics expert,to unpack the complexities of this case and its implications for the legal profession.
Understanding the Context of the Dispute
Senior Editor: Dr. Somchai, can you provide some background on the controversy surrounding Lawyer Kaew and his client, “golden Snow Decoration Crab”?
Dr. Somchai Pongtorn: Certainly. The dispute began when the client publicly criticized Lawyer Kaew for charging 1.5 hundred thousand baht for handling two defamation cases. The client claimed that the lawyer failed to sign a request to postpone an appointment with an inquiry officer at the Thonglor Police Station, which led to a demand for a refund. Lawyer Kaew initially returned 60,000 baht, followed by an additional 40,000 baht, leaving 50,000 baht unresolved. The client argued that such services typically cost between 1,000 to 5,000 baht, which starkly contrasts with the fee charged.
Legal Fees and Professional Responsibilities
Senior Editor: What are your thoughts on the legal fees in this case? Were they justified?
Dr.Somchai Pongtorn: Legal fees can vary substantially depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s expertise, and the services provided. In this instance, Lawyer Kaew defended his fees by stating that the amount covered two cases, with each case costing 7,500 baht. He also emphasized that certain tasks,like signing postponement requests,were the client’s obligation,not the lawyer’s. However, the client felt the fees were excessive, highlighting a lack of clarity in the fee structure from the outset. This underscores the importance of transparent agreements to avoid misunderstandings.
Client-Lawyer Dynamics and Ethical Considerations
Senior editor: How does this case reflect on the broader dynamics between lawyers and their clients?
Dr. somchai Pongtorn: This case illustrates the delicate balance between client expectations and professional responsibilities. Clients often rely on lawyers to handle all aspects of their case, while lawyers must adhere to ethical guidelines and clarify their scope of work. In this situation, the client’s demand for a public confrontation added another layer of complexity. Lawyer Kaew rightly stated that a lawyer’s professional demeanor differs from personal disputes,and engaging in such behavior would be inappropriate. This highlights the need for mutual respect and clear communication in legal relationships.
Lessons Learned and Future Recommendations
Senior Editor: What lessons can legal professionals and clients take away from this incident?
Dr.Somchai Pongtorn: The key takeaway is the importance of establishing transparent agreements from the beginning. Lawyers should clearly outline their fees, scope of work, and responsibilities, while clients should ensure they fully understand these terms before proceeding. Additionally, both parties should maintain open communication to address any concerns promptly. This case serves as a reminder that mutual understanding and professionalism are essential to fostering trust and avoiding disputes in legal engagements.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Lawyer Kaew and his client sheds light on the complexities of legal agreements and the need for transparency in legal fees. by prioritizing clear communication and mutual understanding,both legal professionals and clients can navigate disputes more effectively and maintain the integrity of their relationship. For further insights into legal disputes and professional ethics, explore related stories on
