General knowledge

Contract Review Service: Why Should a Lawyer Review a Contract Before You Sign? An Importance Many People Overlook

Posted on by wongsakornsiri
12
Dec

In today’s world where business operations and collaborations are increasingly complex, “contracts” have become the core foundation of every deal, partnership, purchase–sale transaction, and even personal agreements. Whether it is a loan agreement, lease agreement, employment contract, joint venture agreement, or a high-value purchase contract, one crucial step that all parties should prioritize is contract review by a legal expert.

Many people assume that having a lawyer draft the contract is sufficient. However, in reality, reviewing the contract before signing is just as important. Even if the contract is drafted well by one party, it may still be incomplete, unfair, or contain hidden details that could create long-term consequences especially when the contract was prepared by the opposing party to protect their own interests.

This article explains why contract review by a lawyer is essential before signing, helping you understand hidden risks and avoid potential legal disputes in the future.

Why Should a Lawyer “Review the Contract” Before Signing?

• To prevent unfair or exploitative terms

Contracts often contain terms that benefit one side more than the other, especially when the document is provided by your counterpart. Examples include:

  • Employment contracts that restrict employee rights
  • Purchase–sale agreements with overly burdensome conditions
  • Joint venture agreements that grant excessive advantage to one party

Contract review by a lawyer helps you identify which terms are unfair and should be renegotiated before signing.

• Lawyers can detect “loopholes” that ordinary readers overlook

Contracts often contain complex legal wording that can be interpreted in different ways. If not drafted clearly, it may lead to:

  • Misinterpretation by each party
  • Unclear entitlements
  • No penalties when a breach occurs
  • Clauses that violate the law, rendering the contract void

Lawyers have the experience to analyze the content, identify risks, and detect issues that could cost you significant losses later.

• To ensure the contract is complete, comprehensive, and legally enforceable

A well-constructed contract must contain essential elements, such as:

  • Correct party identification
  • Clear description of goods or services
  • Duties, responsibilities, and scope of work
  • Duration
  • Payment terms
  • Termination conditions
  • Liability limitations
  • Dispute resolution mechanisms

A lawyer ensures that all necessary clauses are included, leaving no gaps that may cause future problems.

• To reduce the risk of future disputes

Contract disputes commonly arise from:

  • Ambiguous terms
  • Misunderstandings during interpretation
  • Absence of breach clauses
  • Clauses that conflict with the law

Contract review significantly minimizes these risks by ensuring the agreement is clear, fair, and aligned with legal requirements from the beginning.

• Lawyers can negotiate fair and balanced terms

A lawyer not only reviews contracts but also advises on negotiation, such as:

  • Revising disadvantageous conditions
  • Adding warranties
  • Adjusting penalty clauses
  • Increasing client protections

Even minor adjustments can help ensure safer and more balanced business dealings.

• Contract review can save enormous future costs

Many people believe that skipping contract review helps save money.
However, when disputes arise, the damages often exceed the cost of review many times over:

  • Losses from breach of contract
  • Litigation expenses
  • Business interruption
  • Time and resource waste

Contract review is an investment that prevents long-term financial damage.

• Contract review gives you confidence when signing

A signed contract is legally binding. Once your signature is on the document, you cannot claim that you “didn’t understand” or “didn’t intend to agree.”

Contract review ensures:

  • Fair and reasonable terms
  • No hidden risks
  • No legal vulnerabilities
  • No unnecessary obligations
  • Genuine protection of your rights and interests

This level of confidence can only come from a skilled lawyer.

In short, anyone signing a legally binding document can benefit from contract review.

Contract Review: Preventing Risks Before It’s Too Late

Contract review by a lawyer is a crucial step that should never be overlooked because it allows you to:
✔ Avoid exploitation
✔ Detect hidden risks
✔ Reduce future disputes
✔ Negotiate fair terms
✔ Prevent long-term financial loss
✔ Sign with full confidence

A single contract can shape the future of your business or personal life. Do not let negligence expose you to unnecessary legal problems.

If you need a professional lawyer to review your contract, we are ready to provide legal consultation and thoroughly examine each clause to protect your best interests.

General knowledge

Defamation by Publication: Don’t Know the Law = Risk Being Sued Over a Review

Posted on by wongsakornsiri
11
Jul

In the digital age, anyone can leave comments on social media, review websites, or Google Maps. Writing a review has become routine for many—but did you know that just a few lines you post might land you in legal trouble for defamation by publication? This is a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment and fines.

If you’ve never heard of this before, this article might just help you avoid being sued over a review at the eleventh hour.

What is Defamation by Publication?

“Defamation by publication” is a criminal offense defined under Section 328 of the Thai Criminal Code. It involves making a statement about someone to a third party through any form of publication, including:

  • Newspapers
  • Printed materials
  • Television or radio
  • Social media
  • Websites
  • Review systems (e.g., Google Reviews, Facebook Reviews)

If your post harms someone’s reputation, causes public contempt, or incites hatred, it’s considered illegal.

Penalty: Up to 2 years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 THB, or both.

A Careless Review Can Ruin Your Life

Many believe “if it’s the truth, it’s safe.” But in law, truth alone isn’t always a shield. If you can’t prove it, or if your words are insulting, satirical, or otherwise defamatory, you can be prosecuted immediately.

For example, writing on Google that a doctor “speaks terribly, like they’re hungry” or “I fear the doctor might kill me.” Even if it’s a personal feeling, such targeted statements can damage the healthcare provider’s reputation and result in legal action—you might easily be sued over your review.

Be Cautious Your Post Could Be Evidence in Court

Even if you delete your comment, screenshots taken by others can still serve as legal evidence. Claims like “no intention” or “just stating the truth” are not accepted defenses in court.

If your review:

  • Identifies specific individuals
  • Uses harsh, insulting, or humiliating language
  • Lacks corroborating evidence

…it may immediately qualify as defamation by publication, regardless of how widely it was shared.

Risks Reviewers Often Overlook

  • Naming individuals without anonymizing them
  • Emotionally charged language (e.g., “I fear the doctor might kill me,” “Worst experience ever”)
  • Criticizing without any proof (e.g., no receipts or recordings)
  • Causing others to avoid the service or misunderstand the situation

How to Review Safely Without Risk?

1. Avoid naming individuals directly
 Use neutral terms like “a staff member” or “a duty doctor” instead of names.

2. Back your statements with proof
 Attach receipts, photos, or recordings for personal experiences.

3. Use objective, neutral language
 Avoid emotionally loaded or insulting phrasing.

4. Inform the business first, before posting
 Giving them a chance to respond or correct may reduce conflict.

5. Don’t repost or share others’ defamatory content
 Even sharing can make you legally responsible.

2025 Update: What Reviewers Should Know?

1. Avoid identifying individuals explicitly (name, time, date, unique behaviors).

2. Use polite, neutral language; say “I felt disappointed” or “Communication didn’t suit me.”

3. Support claims with evidence if you criticize behaviors or statements.

4. Avoid sensational language designed to provoke or shame.

5. If unsure, don’t post publicly—report to the service provider or consult a lawyer.

Key Takeaways for Reviewers

  • Your words on social media count as “publication” under Thai law.
  • Deleted comments can still be used as evidence.
  • Accusing someone publicly without proof—even unintentionally—can be illegal.

What to Do If You’re Sued Over a Review?

If you receive a court summons

1.      Don’t panic or ignore it.

2.      Preserve all related evidence (screenshots, receipts, recordings).

3.      Consult a lawyer immediately for legal defense.

Wongsakorn Law Office offers expert advice in defamation and online cases. We understand that every word carries weight—and legal consequences.

In today’s world, where reviews influence consumer choices, your public statements aren’t trivial. Be mindful, or risk losing time, money, and reputation.

Click here to consult a lawyer

Remember: just because it’s a review doesn’t mean it’s legally safe—many have been sued over a review without realizing it.

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