Category Archives: General US Law

Megan’s Law Expat in Thailand

Chaninat & Leeds, a Bangkok based law firm with myriads of experience in various areas of Thai and international law, discusses the repercussions of the International Megan’s Law and blacklisting on immigration of foreigners to Thailand.

US Immigration Attorneys in Bangkok focus on family-based immigration visas with a focus on the K1 fiancée visa and K3 marriage visa for Thai nationals. 

Related Article: Thailand Blacklist Regulations

Bill Amendment to Prohibit Congress Members from Paying out Sexual Harassment Cases


Congress members have introduced new legislation that will prohibit legislators from paying settlements in sexual harassment cases with taxpayers’ money. The Bill in question is the “Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act” that demands the accused lawmaker to pay compensation to the US Treasury within 3 months of the settlement.

In a situation where the legislator refuses the reimbursement to the US Treasury than the compensation will be deducted from their salary. The Bill will also provide a legal office for complaints against members of Congress pertaining to these matters. The Bill will no longer require the victim to sign a non disclosure agreement in order to file the complaint. It would also allow for the Member of Congress to retain their employment but may have to take paid leave.

The Bill is yet to have a committee date on the calendar but has been bypassed with the House, Oversight and Government Reform, Ways and Means and the Committees on Ethics. This is the first amendment to the Bill since it was first passed in 1995.

Read the full story here

For applications of the K1 or K3 visa applications a team of US-Thailand Immigration Attorneys and Thai family lawyers are in the most strategic position to assist you because most of the application process is carried out through the US Embassy in Bangkok. 

Related Video:
Overview of the USA Criminal Justice System Part 1

Related Blog:
US Expats on Alert: New US Tax Law Extends IRS’s Reach Internationally 

Image: United States Congress

US Embassy Staff to Become Sales Force for Defense Contractors


The Trump Administration has loosened the policy on foreign US arms sales. The major policy change may come about as early as February and could result in conflict escalation around the world. The “Buy American” scheme will involve US diplomats and military personnel stationed internationally to be the transaction connection for American arms contractors and US defense sales.

The aim is to engage embassy staff members to aggressively sell weapons opening the gateway for foreign bodies to do business with the US. It is a possibility for weapons that were once considered illegal and black market to become mainstream and see the light of day as official US policy. The scheme would further deputize US diplomats at the forefront of arms deals.

The new foreign arms policy deal will greatly benefit the 5 main US defense companies. The plan as told by a senior administration official is to not only promote the sales of small arms but also drones, fighter jets, tanks and artillery. Current regulation for arms sales out of the US is centered on human rights and to make sure the sales of weapons do not fall into the hands of war criminals and sanctioned regimes. However, it is unclear how the new policy will mitigate current regulations whilst increasing sales as it will boost sales with non-NATO allies such as Egypt and Pakistan who have fewer restrictions when it comes to human rights issues.

Prenuptial contracts for Thai-Foreign marriages requires an understanding of both Thailand law and the law of the other spouses jurisdiction. 

Read the full story here

Related Blog:
The Extradition of Viktor Bout: Political or just Wasteful?

Image: Foreign Policy of the Donald Trump Administration

Dr. Jane Kelsey on Trump’s Economic Policy

Talking about the TPP and its global impact

Thailawforum had the opportunity to talk to Jane Kelsey, Professor of Law at the University of Auckland to ask about her thoughts on the Trump administration and the TPP.

Watch the video below:

This video has been sponsored by Thailand Law Firm Chaninat & Leeds with a team of Western and Thai lawyers that specialize in international and Thai law

Related articles:

Trump Pulls the US Out of TPP Trade Deal

Does the TPP Agreement Threaten Civil Liberties?

Trumps’ Economic Policy with Dr. Steve Keen

Talking about the TPP and its impact on Thailand

Thailawforum had the opportunity to talk to Professor and Head of the School of Economics, History and Politics at Kingston University in London, Dr. Steve Keen to discuss the U.S’ withdrawal out of the Trans Pacific Partnership. Watch the video to hear his thoughts.

This video has been sponsored by Thailand Law Firm Chaninat & Leeds with a team of Western and Thai lawyers that specialize in international and Thai law

Related articles:

Trump Pulls the US Out of TPP Trade Deal

Does the TPP Agreement Threaten Civil Liberties?