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Overview
The Thailand legal scene is centred in Bangkok and continues to boast a healthy mix of international and domestic firms. Baker & McKenzie dominates the market in terms of size, with over 100 lawyers. Despite its international branding, its long history in Bangkok ensures that it is very much seen as a ‘local’ Thai firm.
The twin assaults of recession and political unrest have impacted upon deal flow for many firms, restricting market movement and encouraging the bigger market names to retrench, or in some cases leave altogether.
The headline of the year was White & Case LLP International Lawyers’ decision to axe its Bangkok office, paving the way for its leading partners to re-launch in January 2009 as an independent outfit. Now trading as Weerawong, Chinnavat & Peangpanor, the firm has retained most of its original staff.
In a major coup, local firm LS Horizon Limited bolstered its practice in 2009 through the hire of Lersak Kancvalskul, team head at Clifford Chance (Thailand) Limited, leading the Magic Circle firm to close its litigation practice in the country.
Also worth mentioning are Davis Polk & Wardwell and Latham & Watkins LLP, who are recommended for international work. While neither firm has ever had a presence on the ground, they both have strong experience of being involved in deals in Thailand.