After graduating in law (LLB) from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in 1976, he was initially employed in the insurance industry and managed a loss adjusting company in the West Indies.

Thomas has been a barrister in a private practice since 1986 specialising in personal injury litigation and is a member of Amicus.

He unsuccessfully sought the nomination for Clwyd West seat in the inaugural Assembly elections losing out to Alun Pugh.

At the 2005 general election, Thomas was narrowly defeated by the Conservative Party candidate David Jones.

[3] Outside politics, Thomas's interests include restoring old buildings, traditional rural crafts and Italy.