The Legal 500

Baker & McKenzie's large team handles telecoms, insurance, construction, banking, tax, bankruptcy, corporate, IP and labour cases, and leaves clients 'very satisfied indeed'. Chirachai Okanurak continues to assist insurance companies, including AXA and Thanachart Insurance, on claims relating to the 2010 political unrest in Bangkok; and Wynn Pakdeejit is representing a client in a multi-party oil and gas pipeline damages dispute. Kanit Vallayapet is also recommended.

'One of the best firms for litigation', Herbert Smith Freehills has significant cross-border expertise. The 'very knowledgeable and practical' Surapol Srangsomwong 'grasps issues quickly' and 'presents solutions in a logical manner'. Appointed as managing partner in 2011, he is currently acting for a mobile phone operator in litigation related to the provision of 3G commercial services in Thailand. Formerly head of the Thailand office, Alastair Henderson now splits his time between Bangkok and Singapore and oversees international arbitration matters across the region. Consultant Christopher Bailey relocated to Bangkok from the firm's Tokyo office in 2011, and acts for a substantial roster of Japanese clients in Thai-related disputes. Apichart Phankeasorn is recommended.

DLA Piper is recommended for providing 'pragmatic and practical advice' on contentious insurance work. The team also handles shipping and aviation-related disputes, and continues to represent several insurance companies in claims following the political unrest in 2010, and the 2011 floods in Thailand. Clients also rate the firm's experience assisting Japanese clients. The very respected Peter Shelford is recommended.

Kanung & Partners demonstrates 'specialist skills in political cases', and is known for its government connections through former minister Kanung Luchai. The team handles a range of disputes across sectors including banking, real estate and construction, IP and employment. Arun Panupong is also recommended.

LS Horizon Limited advises on matters ranging from contractual and administrative disputes to insurance claims. Respected litigator Lersak Kancvalskul is representing United Thai Logistics and United Thai Warehouse in an arbitration relating to a fire incident in a warehouse. Prechaya Ebrahim and Wanchai Yiamsamatha are also recommended.

Siam Premier's team is led by Techatat Udomsiri and handles domestic and cross-border litigation in sectors including insurance, energy and aviation. Bancha Wudhiprecha is representing Thai Airways in a THB6.5bn claim against a Japanese company. Kong Suriyamontol and Rawat Chomsri are recommended.

Led by Tiziana Sucharitkul, the 23-strong team at Tilleke & Gibbins handles maritime, labour, insurance, criminal, customs and construction disputes. John King represented a major advertising company in a white-collar crime case, and acted alongside Thawat Damsa-ard in a breach of contract case. Chusert Supasitthumrong is recommended for contentious labour cases.

In addition to its superb international arbitration capabilities, Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited has a solid domestic dispute resolution practice, with Ratthakarn Boonnua at the helm. Ongoing highlights include representing a Thai energy company in a claim against its contractor relating to an oil and gas pipeline, and representing the International Air Transport Association in its successful defence of a THB50m claim in a Thai court. Steven Burkill acted for a Thai rice trader in a dispute regarding rice shipments and cargo contamination.

Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co, Ltd's Dumnern Subpaisarn has 'extensive experience'. Highlights included representing Ek-Chai Distribution System (operator of Tesco Lotus supermarkets) in a $13.5m civil claim relating to breach of the Thai Trade Competition Act and a wrongful act against its competitor, and acting for Advanced Info Service in an environmental dispute.

'Excellent on all fronts', Hunton & Williams (Thailand) Limited handles telecoms, customs and excise, construction and project disputes. The team represented a client in an arbitration proceeding against Walter Bau. It also acts for AAPICO, Matchbox and PTT Asahi. Surasak Vajasit is 'accessible around the clock' and provides 'direct and to-the-point advice'.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Peangpanor has broad-ranging capabilities in dispute resolution. Chinnavat Chinsangaram counts Credit Suisse, Akara Mining and its shareholder Kingsgate Consolidated as clients. Weerawong Chittmittrapap is representing Advanced Info Service in a dispute with TOT relating to a tax excise issue in the Bangkok Central Administrative Court. 'Facilitator' Chinnawat Thongpakdee has 'good knowledge'. Phisit Dejchaiyasak is also recommended.

Blumenthal Richter & Sumet successfully defended a software solutions company against a former employee's claim of breach of contract, and represented a fitness centre company in several employment disputes. Suchart Meesomboonpoonsuk is the key contact.

Chandler & Thong-ek Law Offices Limited handles labour, civil, IP, trade and bankruptcy disputes. Sumit Masrungson, Supasit Boonsanong and E T Hunt Talmage are recommended.

LawAlliance Limited is a key port of call for tax litigation. The group is also handling an increasing number of customs-related disputes. Piphob Veraphong and Thanasak Chanyapoon are the key contacts.

PriceSanond's broad practice can leverage its strength in corporate and M&A work to assist in related disputes. Douglas Mancill is recommended.

Respondek & Fan Ltd's Andreas Respondek is a chartered arbitrator, and also qualified as an arbitrator in Singapore. He is representing Symrise in a dispute with an Indonesian company, and is also acting for Qiagen in a case relating to an alleged wrongful termination of a distribution agreement.

Siam City Law Offices Limited (SCL) is part of the Chavalit Law Group, and advises on IP, bankruptcy, corporate, labour, construction and criminal disputes. Chavalit Uttasart and Vira Kammee are recommended.

Vovan & Associés successfully represented a French client in a dispute against a Thai company in the agri-business sector. Laxami Waraprasart is the key contact.

Other recommended local firms include: Dej-Udom & Associates Ltd, International Legal Counsellors Thailand, Legal Advisory Council Limited, Marut Bunnag International Law Office, Pramuanchai Law Office Co, Ltd, Siam Legal, The Legists Ltd, and Vickery & Worachai Ltd.