yeah 200k for a 4-day overstay is ridiculous, even for Bangkok. try Tilleke & Gibbins on Wireless Road, they're pricey but actually handle immigration appeals proper and have a good track record with the courts. their junior associate rates are more reasonable than GAM's quote.

one thing nobody's mentioned yet - if the deportation order says "blacklist" instead of just "ban," that's a different process entirely. check the Thai wording on the doc, look for "dan-khao" or "kham-sang." some firms charge extra just to translate that part for you.

also, don't sleep on the fact that the arrest itself might have been procedural if he was just overstaying without working. the police report matters a lot in these appeals. if you can get a copy of that arrest report from the migration police station near your area, it could help your lawyer argue the case was overblown.

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just to add something no one's mentioned yet - that 200k quote from GAM probably includes the "tea money" buffer, which is shady but common in immigration cases here. if you want someone who won't play those games, try Chandler MHM on Sathorn Road. they're more corporate but their immigration team actually argues the law instead of trying to pay off officials.

another thing worth checking - the arrest location matters a lot. if he got picked up at a checkpoint in a tourist area like Khao San or Sukhumvit, the police report will be different than if it was at his apartment. that can affect how the court views the "intent" behind the overstay

also fyi, Siam Legal usually responds within 3-4 business days max. if they haven't replied by then, call their office directly on Sathorn Soi 1, not through the website form. their admin staff is slow with emails

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honestly, for immigration stuff in Bangkok, Siam Legal is prob your best bet for the price. They handle a lot of overstay cases and know the local court procedures well. 200k from GAM seems steep for a 4-day overstay, that's wild.

just a heads up, the 90-day appeal window is strict here. if Siam doesn't get back to u soon, try Integrity Legal on Sukhumvit Soi 33. they're smaller but the partner there used to work at the immigration bureau, so he knows the inside track on these deportation orders.

also, double check that court doc says "appeal" not just "file a complaint" - sometimes they use different wording and it changes everything. good luck

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yeah Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but if you're up for a detour, try Som Tum Nua near Siam Square. their som tam pu pla ra is insane if you like the fermented fish sauce kick. way more pungent than the On Nut spot, just less grilled chicken options

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