Ratana Counsel
Ratana Counsel client experiences

What Our Clients Say

Clients Who Came With Uncertainty — and Left With Clarity

A selection of client experiences across our three pension legal services, written in their own words.

Back to Home
12+

Years of practice

340+

Clients assisted

4.8

Average client rating

18

Countries of pension origin

Client Reviews

In Their Own Words

RW

Robert Whitmore

British national, Bangkok

"I had been uncertain about my UK state pension for two years and did not know where to begin. The entitlement review gave me a genuinely clear picture of my position — something a dozen online searches had not managed. The written summary was particularly useful: I could refer back to it later."

Pension Entitlement Review · May 2025

SP

Siriphat Phongphan

Retiree, Chiang Mai

"My SSO pension had been calculated incorrectly for some years, and I was not confident dealing with the bureaucracy myself. Ratana Counsel handled the correspondence on my behalf and kept me informed throughout. It took about four months, but the outcome was what we had discussed as a realistic possibility from the start."

Dispute & Appeals Representation · April 2025

HM

Hilde Mertens

Belgian national, Pattaya

"My pension situation spans three countries and has been complicated for many years. The Protection Mandate has been invaluable — I deal with one person, everything is managed on my behalf, and I receive regular summaries explaining what has happened and what is still outstanding. It has removed a significant source of stress."

Comprehensive Protection Mandate · Ongoing from March 2025

AT

Ananya Thammasat

Returning Thai national, Bangkok

"After many years working abroad, I had pension entitlements in two countries that I had never properly reviewed. The initial consultation was calm and thorough — not rushed. The summary they produced clarified what I was owed and the steps needed. I have since moved on to the appeals service for one of the two funds."

Pension Entitlement Review · May 2025

GN

George Nicolaou

Greek-Australian, Bangkok

"My appeal against a partial refusal had already been rejected once before I came to Ratana Counsel. They reviewed everything, were honest about where the previous submission had been weak, and prepared a more considered case the second time. The process took longer than I had hoped — about six months — but the result was different."

Dispute & Appeals Representation · April 2025

KP

Kulthida Pattanasirichot

Retiree, Hua Hin

"I was not expecting to be treated with such patience. I am not comfortable with formal legal processes and had many questions. Every one was answered without any sign of impatience. The review was thorough and the written summary was something I could actually read and understand. I would recommend this service without hesitation."

Pension Entitlement Review · May 2025

Case Studies

A Closer Look at Three Client Journeys

Challenge

UK Pension Delayed After Relocation

A British client who had relocated to Bangkok found his state pension had been suspended following a routine review by HMRC. He had received correspondence but could not understand what was required of him, and months passed without resolution.

Solution

Entitlement Review, Then Formal Representation

We conducted a review of the correspondence and documents, identified the specific information being requested, and prepared a formal response on the client's behalf. We liaised with the relevant UK authority directly and provided the client with a written record of every communication.

Results

Pension Reinstated · 11 Weeks

The pension was reinstated within eleven weeks of the formal response being lodged. Arrears for the period of suspension were also paid. The client subsequently engaged us for a wider review of his overall pension position.

"I had no idea the situation could be resolved so clearly. The relief was considerable."

Challenge

SSO Pension Below Expected Amount

A Thai national who had worked in the formal sector for 28 years received an initial SSO pension payment significantly lower than she had anticipated. The calculation appeared to exclude a period of contributions, but the official response to her initial query was unclear.

Solution

Dispute & Appeals Representation

We reviewed her contribution records, identified that a period of contributions had been incorrectly recorded, and prepared a formal written challenge with supporting documentation. We attended SSO meetings with her and maintained communication with the relevant office throughout.

Results

Recalculated and Backdated · 4 Months

The contribution record was corrected and the pension recalculated. The revised amount reflected the full contribution period, and a backdated adjustment was applied. The process took approximately four months from the initial review to resolution.

"They never made me feel that I should accept what I had been given. That support was important."

Challenge

Complex Multi-Jurisdiction Pension Situation

An Australian client had pension entitlements in Australia, the UK, and Thailand following a 30-year career in three countries. Each fund had different requirements and timelines, and managing correspondence with three authorities simultaneously was beyond what she could reasonably handle herself.

Solution

Comprehensive Protection Mandate

We took over the full management of all three pension matters, including correspondence, submission of required documentation, and liaison with each fund. Regular written summaries kept the client informed without her needing to follow the technical detail herself.

Results

All Three Matters Resolved · 9 Months

All three pension funds began payment within nine months. One required a formal appeal, which was successful. The client described the experience as removing a burden she had been carrying for several years.

"The single point of contact was exactly what I needed. I always knew what was happening and who to ask."

Get in Touch

Reach Ratana Counsel

Phone

+66 2 652 38 74

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 17:30

Email

[email protected]

Responses within one working day

Address

119 Ratchadamri Road
Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330

Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 17:30

Saturday by appointment · Closed Sunday & public holidays

Professional Standing

Credentials and Recognition

Thai Lawyers Council

All practitioners hold current registration and meet CPD requirements annually.

Asia Pacific Pension Forum

Active member, with access to current developments in regional pension law.

Recommended Practice 2024–2025

Recognised in independent legal directories for pension matters in Thailand.

Your Turn

Ready to Discuss Your Situation?

Reach out with a brief description of your pension matter. We will respond promptly and without pressure.

Contact Us Today