The Legal 500

Baker & McKenzie is ‘one of the best in the business’ and keeps ahead of the game ‘due to its ability to retain key lawyers and craft junior lawyers into top-class partners’. The firm has won roles on several of the country’s recent spate of telecoms cases, but most notably it is defending True Move against a $1.1bn Administrative Court claim brought by the Telephone Organisation of Thailand (TOT). Chirachai Okanurak and Wynn Pakdeejit are recommended.

Herbert Smith (Thailand) Limited strengthened its team in 2011 through the hire of Apichart Phankeasorn, former dispute resolution head at Mayer Brown JSM. Office head Alastair Henderson and partner Surapol Srangsomwong attract praise for being ‘the leading specialists in Thailand’ because ‘these partners take time to know the market inside out - they don’t just scratch the surface’. The firm is representing a major international truck manufacturer on the defence of a $350m claim.

DLA Piper fields a lucrative niche in insurance litigation under the leadership of specialist Peter Shelford, but the firm has also been increasingly broadening its practice into other areas. Highlights included advising TOT on several telecommunications cases.

Kanung & Partners is known for its strong government connections; the firm fields the market’s leading track record in political and administrative cases. Former Deputy Minister of the Interior Kanung Luchai is the ‘founding father of litigation in the Thai market’, although he recently stepped down as chairman, with Arun Panupong replacing him in that role.

LS Horizon Limited is advising Lehman Brothers Commercial Corporation Asia on the defence of civil claims brought by Grande Asset Hotels and Property relating to alleged breaches of secured debenture financing, totalling THB6.6bn. Prechaya Ebrahim and Lersak Kancvalskul are both recommended.

Lawyers at Siam Premier score points for ‘knowledge in their subject, ability to understand the client’s business quickly and service-led minds’. The firm continues to advise Thai Airways in major international antitrust investigations relating to alleged price fixing. Bancha Wudhiprecha and Techatat Udomsiri are the main contacts.

Tilleke & Gibbins is ‘timely, responsive and business savvy’ with lawyers commended as ‘excellent strategisers who are able to provide solid business advice’. IP, customs disputes, white-collar crime and labour litigation are all active areas, but the headline in 2010 was advising a US firm on the Thai aspects of a $80m civil case that involved a real estate financing in Thailand. Tiziana Sucharitkul and Thawat Damsa-ard are recommended.

Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited may shine on the international arbitration side, but its domestic practice also packs a punch. In 2010, it acted on cases relating to shareholder disputes, defamation and employment disputes. Most notably, Ratthakarn Boonnua represented Universal Food against the petition for cancellation of UFC logomark in the USA.

Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co, Ltd’s one-partner team is led by the ‘prudent, humble and hugely committed’ Dumnern Subpaisarn. The firm is advising Shin Corp on legal and regulatory issues relating to a dispute with TOT.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Peangpanor is representing Serm Suk, the bottler and distributor of PepsiCola Drinks in Thailand, in a dispute against PepsiCo Group. Phisit Dejchaiyasak is recommended.

Blumenthal Richter & Sumet advised California Wow Xperience on several labor cases over the past year. The firm also has strong experience in bankruptcy cases.

Chandler & Thong-ek Law Offices Limited’s team is led by Sumit Masrungson and is known for bankruptcy cases and labour disputes.

Chavalit & Associates Limited has a strong contentious IP practice but also advises on construction disputes and white-collar crime.

Deacons is currently involved in a landmark competition case for Honda. The firm also has strong experience in regulatory compliance.

Hunton & Williams (Thailand) Limited scores points for the skills of projects specialist Surasak Vajasit: ‘he used to be a judge so has strong connections which helps to move cases along quickly.’

LawAlliance Limited is ‘the only firm in town for tax litigation’ and is currently representing one of the world’s major liquor companies in a case against the Thai Revenue Department.

Respondek & Fan Pte Ltd has solid experience in regional arbitrations; Andreas Respondek is a chartered arbitrator.

Siam Legal acts for both individuals and businesses on contentious matters including family law matters and criminal cases.

Vovan & Associés specialises in advising foreign clients on cross-border litigation.

The following small but well connected local firms are recommended for politically sensitive work: Dej-Udom & Associates Ltd, International Legal Counsellors Thailand, Legal Advisory Council Limited, Marut Bunnag International Law Office, Mongkolnavin Law Office, Pramuanchai Law Office Co, Ltd, The Legists Ltd, Vickery & Worachai Ltd.