The Legal 500

Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co, Ltd is 'one of the best firms in Thailand' for major cross-border corporate and capital markets work, with expertise that spans the telecoms, retail, transport and real estate sectors. The 'very responsive' Suparerk Auychai and Simon Makinson provide 'practical, understandable, and detailed advice'. Makinson advised Navis Capital Partners on its $41m sale of Dunkin' Donuts and Au Bon Pain to Sub Sri Thai, and Auychai advised Singapore Telecommunications on its proposed acquisition of an interest in Advanced Info Service. Arkrapol Pichedvanichok acted for Danone in a joint venture between Danone Dairy Asia and Berli Jucker worth THB210m. On the equity capital markets front, Auychai acted for Tesco on the THB18.4bn IPO of Tesco Lotus property fund, which was the largest IPO to be listed on the Thai stock exchange since 2006.

Baker & McKenzie's sizeable team provides an 'excellent service' to international investors, and demonstrates 'thorough legal understanding' of the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, real estate and logistics sectors. Sorachon Boonsong and Jakkarin Bantathong represented Italian-Thai Development in an undertaking to develop an industrial complex and port project in Myanmar, and also advised PepsiCo on its acquisition of San Miguel (Thailand)'s non-alcoholic beverage plant in Thailand. The team also represents financial institutions in bond offerings, and assists on MTN programmes. Kitipong Urapeepatanapong, Peerapan Tungsuwan and Viroj Piyawattanametha are recommended.

'Excellent across the board', Clifford Chance (Thailand) Limited acts on international deals across the Southeast Asia region and beyond. 2011 highlights included advising Takachiho Koheki on its purchase of Tyco Fire Security & Services (Thailand), and acting for True Corporation regarding its THB4.35bn acquisition of Hutchinson Wireless MultiMedia Holdings. Capital markets specialist Doungporn Prasertsomsuk is particularly focused on THB-denominated bond offerings, and is representing the Islamic Bank of Thailand on the country's first sukuk transaction. Andrew Matthews is also rated for his 'appropriate advice' and 'in-depth knowledge of Thai law'.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Peangpanor is particularly noted for its Thai capital markets expertise. Chatri Trakulmanenate acts for issuers, and recently led in advising Asia Aviation on its IPO. Elsewhere, Peangpanor Boonklum advised Charoen Pokphand Foods on its acquisition of 74% of shares of CP Pokphand Company for $2.17bn. Pakdee Paknara is also recommended.

Linklaters‘ ‘strong and efficient‘ team provides ‘strong support in documentation and negotiation‘ and ‘tackles regulatory issues well‘. It acts for an international client base, and has experience handling projects and energy matters, telecoms mandates and property funds. Wilailuk Okanurak has a ‘sharp understanding of business‘, and is advising a Thai power company on its acquisition of a coal-fired power plant in Vietnam. Pichitpon Eammongkolchai is recommended for his corporate finance experience, and advised Sahaviriya Steel on its $1.4bn acquisition financing for Tata Steel’s Teesside Cast Products.

The 'consistently excellent' team at Chandler & Thong-ek Law Offices Limited is known for its projects, natural resources and energy-related work, and demonstrates a 'high level of legal and regulatory knowledge'. The 'very accessible and responsive' Ratana Poonsombudlert is advising Lawson Inc on a planned acquisition in Thailand. Other clients include SunEdison Thailand and Casino Guichard-Perrachon. Supasit Boonsanong is also recommended.

At DLA Piper, senior consultant Tim Dobson is currently advising Amazon Falls on matters related to the planned Cartoon Network water theme park in Thailand. Other clients include Pacific Star, the University of Central Lancashire and a major hotel group. Practice head Chanvitaya Suvarnapunya is also recommended.

Hunton & Williams (Thailand) Limited's expertise covers the telecoms, power and infrastructure sectors. Edward Koehler advised Electricity Generating on the acquisition of an additional stake in Quezon Power (Philippines) and InterGen Management Services (Philippines) for $375m. Clients include BP and Thai Rail Investments. The team also fields key players in Stephen Bennett and Manida Zinmerman

Led by Sawanan Limparangsri, LS Horizon Limited's team provides capital markets experience, coupled with corporate expertise. Sunpasiri Sunpa-a-sa is advising Hydrotek on its IPO on the Thai stock exchange. Khemajit Choomwattana is also recommended.

At Norton Rose (Thailand) Limited, Somboon Kitiyansub advised TMB Bank as lead arranger on the issuance of THB2bn of debentures by Central Pattana. Other clients include Woori Bank and HSBC. Counsel Sarah Chen is also recommended. Former practice head Phillip John relocated to Hong Kong to head the firm's North Asia practice.

Siam Premier provides a 'very good service', and has experience in the projects and energy sectors. Chatchavej Chitvarakorn provides 'excellent response times, and advised Parex Davco (Thailand) on the acquisition of two competitors. Other clients include McGraw-Hill Companies and PTT Global Chemical. Linda Osathaworanan is also recommended.

Tilleke & Gibbins' Santhapat Periera advised European security and defence company Saab on its THB200m acquisition of a 40% shareholding in Avia Satcom. Cynthia Pornavalai and Piyanuj Ratprasatporn are also recommended.

Thanathip & Partners Legal Counsellors Limited has 'very good legal knowledge'. An 'excellent adviser', Thanathip Pichedvanichok advised Toys R Us on the acquisition of a 70% stake in a business in Southeast Asia and Greater China from Fung Retailing (formerly Li & Fung Retailing). Other clients include Asia Asset Advisory Company and Globex.

Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited acts for foreign clients in real estate, telecoms, energy, finance and shipping mandates. Christopher Osborne and Steven Burkill advised Indelor Lens (Thailand) on the $9m sale of a manufacturing site in an IEAT duty-free zone in Thailand.

At Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, Andreas Richter continues to advise Continental Automotive (Thailand) on a $170.2m investment in a Thailand factory. The team is also advising Evonik International Holding on corporate, regulatory and restructuring matters.

Koerner & Associates Ltd provides 'excellent and meaningful' advice to automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Daimler. The 'very professional' Frank Koerner, who is rated for his 'broad understanding of European, US and Thai law', is advising Mann+Hummel (Thailand) on setting up operations and factory leases in the country.

Lorenz & Partners' Till Morstadt acts for several German automotive, manufacturing and engineering clients regarding their Thai investments. Morstadt also has experience in establishing subsidiaries, and provides advice on project management and licensing.

Mayer Brown JSM leverages its traditional restructuring and insolvency strength to advise on corporate and M&A mandates. Maythawee Sarathai is the key contact.

PriceSanond's Douglas Mancill acts for a roster of US, Japanese and European clients. The team is noted for its track record on joint ventures in Thailand.

Noted for its 'fast responses', Respondek & Fan Ltd provides advice to a client base that includes Symrise, Lufthansa, Benteler and Optibelt. Andreas Respondek has a 'good understanding of the complexities of Thai labour law, and board of investment applications and requirements'.

The Legists Ltd is 'very good for high-value government infrastructure projects in Thailand and Laos'. It advises both Thai and foreign clients.

French-speaking legal practice Vovan & Associés assists clients on M&A transactions, corporate restructuring and in establishing offices and subsidiaries in Thailand. It advised a Thai group in a cross-border acquisition of a Vietnamese ice cream company. Frédéric Favre is recommended.

Bangkok International Associates assists on foreign ownership, formation of limited companies, M&A, and shareholders rights and liabilities. Ronachai Krisadaolarn is the key contact.

International Legal Counsellors Thailand advises on matters including joint ventures and corporate restructuring.

LawPlus Ltd's Kowit Somwaiya has wide-ranging corporate and M&A experience.

Rödl & Partner advises foreign investors on setting up subsidiaries, offices, and projects in Thailand. Martin Klose is the key contact.