Hall Of Fame

Real estate and construction in Thailand

Baker McKenzie LLP

Praised for is 'team work and collaboration’, Baker McKenzie LLP advises on a wide scope of real estate matters, from property and hotel acquisitions and financings to development and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The team, which has global presence as well as local expertise, is led by the revered Sorachon Boonsong, who has over 30 years of practice in the real estate sector. Duangkamon Amkaew deals primarily with real estate M&A, in addition to advising on corporate structuring and restructuring, while Wittaya Luengsukcharoen is known for her work assisting top real estate players with their portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Sorachon Boonsong


Other key lawyers:

Duangkamon Amkaew; Wittaya Luengsukcharoen


Testimonials

‘The team has been very helpful and very competent. They have the best knowledge in the real estate field. Their team work and collaboration is very impressive.’

Key clients

Bhiraj Buri Co., Ltd.


ALLY Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust


Country Group Development Public Company Limited


Hotel Properties Limited


Singha Estate Public Company Limited


Nai Lert Group


Siam Piwat Company Limited


Pacific Century Premium Developments


Zhongfa Group


Frasers Property


Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited


Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) Co., Ltd. / Coffee Concept Retails


All Seasons Property


Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited


Summit Seoyon Business Development (Thailand)


Boutique Corporation


Standard Chartered plc


Everland Partners


GIC Pte Ltd


HKR International Limited


Proud Real Estate Public Co., Ltd.


SHREIT / Strategic Hospitality Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisted GIC in relation to their joint venture with AWC in order to set up an acquiring vehicle in Thailand for the hospitality portfolio. The initial fund size is around THB 10.8bn.
  • Assisted Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited (AWC) in acquiring Hotel Windsor Suites Bangkok via shares acquisition. The transaction was commenced in July and completed in December 2022. The total value of the transaction is THB 3.18bn.
  • Assisted HKR International Limited in selling their shares representing a 49% equity interest in the Target Company (which is the legal and beneficial owner of the land) to a group of purchasers from HK and Thailand. The buyers have engaged DLA. The total consideration for the disposal is approximately THB 2.9bn.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper delivers high-quality services across the full spectrum of real estate transactions and developments, covering land use, due diligence, real estate projects and commercial developments, as well as property investments. The team enjoys a highbrow client base, attracting top brands and major market players from across the globe. The group is led by Waranon Vanichprapa, whose speciality lies within the financial and M&A facets of real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Waranon Vanichprapa


Key clients

John Swire & Sons Hong Kong


Lotus Bakeries Corporate NV


Real Asset Development Co., Ltd


Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc. (AEG)


Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd.


Burberry (Thailand)


G&P Asset Holding Company Limited


Virgin Active Health Clubs


China Railway Construction (South East Asia) Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advising a multinational technology company on its establishment of data centre facilities in Thailand.
  • Advising John Swire & Sons Hong Kong on its expansion into Thailand, involving an acquisition of 40% shares in City Grace Co., Ltd., a landbank company and a greenfield development of a luxury residential and hotel projects in the prime area of the Bangkok city.
  • Assisting Lotus Bakeries Corporate NV on its expansion of business in Southeast Asia, and assisted on its acquisition of land for construction of its new production site in Thailand.

IAS Advisory handles a variety of real estate transactions including taxation, disputes, developments, land surveys and property inspections. The firm was newly opened in January 2023 by Ittinant Suwanjutha, who formerly worked at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd. His practice is centred around real estate matters within the education, hospitality and renewables sectors and is supported by Supachot Prasankiattiraj, who, with his M&A background, deals predominantly with high-value financings, joint ventures, dispositions and acquisitions within the real estate sector.

Practice head(s):

Ittinant Suwanjutha


Other key lawyers:

Supachot Prasankiattiraj; Siripen Kulworakulpitak


Testimonials

‘Unique knowledge in dealing with land and real estate related issues.’

‘IAS Advisory’s professionalism, responsiveness, and caring makes us look forward to their excellent guidance and legal support for many years to come.’

‘Ittinant Suwanjutha is a very professional, knowledgeable, capable, and a highly experienced and respected attorney.’

‘Siripen Kulworakulpitak has helped us communicate, accomplish, and succeed with our needs in Thailand. We look forward to Siripen’s continued guidance and assistance.’

‘Ittinant Suwanjutha is personable and has in-depth knowledge.’

‘Supachot Prasankiattiraj very good at handling real estate-related due diligence.’

Key clients

Chai Watana Green Co., Ltd.


Sathitpathum Demonstration School


Mr Richard Roder (high-net-worth client)


Temple Art Development Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advising and assisting leading hospital group based in Singapore with legal issues related to acquisition of medical facility in Samut Prakan province, Thailand.
  • Conducting due diligence investigation and advising on legal issues related to development and construction project of luxury hotels and high-end villas in Phuket province, Thailand for Temple Art Development Co., Ltd.
  • Advised and assisted major renewable energy company based in Thailand (Chai Watana Green Co., Ltd.) on acquisition of facility in Sa Kaeo province. Carried out legal due diligence investigation of land and related licenses.

Linklaters

Linklaters acts for international property developers, aiding clients throughout the lifecycle of project developments, handling due diligence, negotiating with relevant government bodies, advising on land acquisition and construction, as well as financing. The group is co-led by Pichitpon Eammongkolchai, who is responsible for navigating real estate finance issues and M&A transactions, and 'extraordinary' Wanwisar Nakarat, who attracts work from major market players.

Practice head(s):

Pichitpon Eammongkolchai; Wanwisar Nakarat


Testimonials

‘Great knowledge and commercial awareness, including real estate financing advice.’

‘Wanwisar Nakarat is extraordinary. She can excellently provide her advices on development, construction and operation phase matters.’

Key clients

AIA (Thailand)


Charoen Pokphand Group


DTGO Corporation Co., Ltd.


Hong Kong Land


Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited


KASIKORNBANK


Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited


Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group International


Minor International


Roxy-Pacific Holdings


Singha Estate Public Company Limited


Thai Oil Public Company Limited


Victory (Thailand) Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised the Consortium of Charoen Pokphand Holding Co. Ltd. and Partners in the bidding and all contracts for the development, construction, operation, financing and maintenance of the US$7.5 bn High Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project by the State Railway Authority of Thailand
  • Advised P.P.C. Enterprise Co., Ltd, the major local hotel owner in Thailand on the new hotel management contract and other related hotel management issues with Hilton Group and the potential hotel chain, JW Marriott.

Siam Premier International Law Office Limited

Siam Premier International Law Office Limited acts for international and domestic property developers, local governmental agencies and multinational corporations, assisting with due diligence, planning, land use, structuring, property acquisitions and disposals. Chatchavej Chitvarakorn oversees the work and has 20 years' experience advising clients on real property and construction issues. Rawat Chomsri attracts large domestics and multinationals seeking advice on foreign investment, while Ajjima Kanokmaneechotikul has experience acting for hotels and resorts on development projects and acquisitions.

Practice head(s):

Chatchavej Chitvarakorn


Other key lawyers:

Rawat Chomsri; Ajjima Kanokmaneechotikul


Key clients

Azelis S.A.


Nippon Steel Corporation


Bound and Beyond Public Company Limited


Minor International PCL


Archroma


Beyond Securities PLC


Sathorn Project One Co., Ltd.


Chodthanawat Co., Ltd.


Electricity Generating PCL


JCK International PCL


Asia Debt Management Hong Kong Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisting Minor International PCL in conducting land due diligence in relation to the target land in connection to it entering into a joint venture agreement with Kajima Development Pte. Ltd. to develop and expand the Avandina Hills by Antara project.
  • Assisting one of Asia Pacific s largest real asset manager in conducting land due diligence in relation to an acquisition target.
  • Acting as Thai legal counsel for EGCO to conduct the land due diligence on the target land to be the location of solar cell factories and in preparing the application for bidding the electricity sell project of the Office of Energy Regulatory Commission.

Tilleke & Gibbins

Tilleke & Gibbins services a blend of domestics and multinationals from the hospitality and manufacturing sectors, aiding with land acquisition, licences and permits for property development, as well as representing clients in real estate disputes. Chaiwat Keratisuthisathorn leads the team, specialising in real estate development and property management, while Cynthia Pornavalai advises clients within the tourism and hospitality industries on project finance and construction mandates. Senior associate Supranee Arjjit, who joined from DLA Piper in January 2023, handles matters concerning commercial real estate law and property funds.

Practice head(s):

Chaiwat Keratisuthisathorn


Other key lawyers:

Cynthia Pornavalai; Supranee Arjjit


Testimonials

‘Excellent technical skills and great negotiators- very good business acumen.’

‘Partner Chaiwat Keratisuthisathorn is a savvy, responsive and very well organized lawyer who puts the interest of the client before any dogma or rigid principles. A genuine problem solver who displays a high level of resilience and patience.’

Key clients

Ananda Development PCL


CMA CGM Inland Services (Thailand) Limited


Fabrinet


Gensler


JC Kelvin Development


King Furniture


Marriott International


PTT Tank Terminal


Scania Siam Co., Ltd.


True Corporation


Work highlights


  • Assisted a European PE firm with its EUR 90 m acquisition of 100% of shares in a leading supplier of cargo containers and pallets to the global logistics industry, and its EUR 70m acquisition of catering business assets from a leading designer and manufacturer of on-board catering equipment for the global aviation industry.
  • Advised a multinational corporation on its THB 1.2 bn acquisition of land, buildings, leasehold rights, lease agreements with merchants, and certain inventory from the State Railway of Thailand.
  • Advised the Thai subsidiary of an automotive company on its entrance into a 10-year Land and Building Lease Agreement for a building that will serve as a show room, delivery center, and service center in Thailand.

BH2I

The team at BH2I is a key name to note for clients, particularly financial institutions, private equity funds and hotel groups, seeking aid with national and international real estate developments and corporate transactions. Practice head Predee Pravichpaibul is known by global hotel clients for his adept handling of real estate matters across their full lifecycle, from initial investment and entrance into the Thai real estate market, right through to asset management and litigation. The group is also home to Benjamin Hirasawa, whose in depth knowledge of real estate M&A and property development secures him a spread of national and international clients from across the hospitality, real estate and financial sectors, in addition to Rima Neerasint, who is recommended for transactional matters.

Practice head(s):

Predee Pravichpaibul


Other key lawyers:

Benjamin Hirasawa; Rima Neerasint


Key clients

Jumeirah International LLC


8M Real Estate


Central Group Capital Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited


Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts


CapitaLand Investments Limited


Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board


Oaktree Capital Management


Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd Wyndham Hotels & Resorts


Oxford Properties


Radisson Hotel Group Barcelo Hotel Group


Work highlights


  • Advising a Singapore-based global luxury hotel operating company on all aspects of the international hotel operator’s development of numerous hotels in Asia, including assistance with its global development, branding, operations, retention, and expansion strategy.

Chandler MHM Limited

The team at Chandler MHM Limited attract a spread of domestic and international clients seeking aid, particularly with real estate investment and development, on all aspects of structuring development projects from due diligence right through to acquisition. The practice is jointly led by duo Tananan Thammakiat and Susumu Hanawa, the former specialises in real estate investment trusts and M&A, while the latter manages cross-border transactions, aiding the group’s expansion into other Southeast Asian jurisdictions. Another name to note is Nathee Silacharoen, who advises on regulatory real estate matters in Thailand.

Practice head(s):

Tananan Thammakiat; Susumu Hanawa


Other key lawyers:

Nathee Silacharoen


Key clients

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited


Bangkok Reit Management Company Limited


INET Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust


Internet Thailand Public Company Limited


Kanden Realty & Development Company Limited


Nomura Real Estate (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. (Japan)


Tokyo Tatemono Asia Pte. Ltd.


Tokyu Land Asia Pte. Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advising Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited in setting up a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), namely “BAREIT” and a REIT Manager to manage the REIT in Thailand.
  • Assisted INETREIT in obtaining the rights of superficies and charges over the land identified under the Land Title Deed No. 2877, located at Thap Kwang Sub-District, Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi Province (the “Land”) which is used for the INET-IDC3 project.
  • Represented Kanden Realty & Development Company Limited (KRD), a major Japanese developer investing in various condominium and housing projects in Bangkok developed by joint ventures of The Nest Property Company Limited and KRD in relation to project finance from Kiatnakin Phatra Bank Public Company Limited (“KKP”), TISCO Bank Public Company Limited and TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited.

Kudun & Partners

Kudun & Partners is sought after by real estate clients seeking aid with development, financing and investment matters, in addition to advising on real estate projects within the tourism sector, assisting with due diligence and Hotel Management Agreements. Founding partner Kudun Sukhumananda, who handles domestic and cross-border M&A, leads the team alongside Troy Schooneman, who has knowledge of property development matters, as well as Peerasanti Somritutai and Ekachai Chotpitayasunon who both handle the financing aspects of real estate projects.

Practice head(s):

Kudun Sukhumananda; Troy Schooneman; Ekachai Chotpitayasunon; Peerasanti Somritutai


Testimonials

‘Kudun is a local Thai practice that performs to the highest international institutional standard. A law firm is in our view only as good as the team in place. For foreign investors looking to undertake financial transactions in Thailand, Kudun are exceptional.’

‘Peerasanti Somritutai has exceptional English skills combined with knowledge of Thai and international law. He is capable of dealing with the legal departments of New York financial institutions. He is always readily available. Service levels are great and always on time.’

Key clients

CAS Capital (Thailand) Limited (CAS)


Davis Group


Damri Residence Company Limited


Areeya Properties PLC.


Altitude Development Company Limited


ALLY KEX PRIVATE EQUITY TRUST


Fulcrum Ventures Company Limited


Compass Hospitality Company Limited


TC Autohub (Thailand) Company Limited


TMDC Construction Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Represented Damri Residence Co., Ltd., a project company sponsored by Areeya Property PCL, on two critical transactions for the development of the luxurious Soontareeya Residence in Bangkok’s prime Ratchaprasong area including a multiple assets-backed financing arrangement transaction and legal discussions, negotiations, and documentations with multiple globally renowned hotel and residence management groups to manage the service residence.
  • Represented one of the largest private equity firms in the United States with the divestiture of 100% of their equity and debt investments in the single-asset special purpose vehicle that owns a newly renovated 36-story office and retail building located in Bangkok.
  • Representing Davis Group on its development and expansion through a joint venture arrangement with JV partners including negotiation of a hotel management-related arrangement with one of the largest global hotel operators for the operation and management of the project.

SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd

SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd advises landowners, factory owners and real estate developers on real property, land rights, acquisition, construction, environmental law, licencing and taxation issues. Thiti Homjabok stands at the helm, representing both Thai and international clients in the purchase and construction of residential, commercial and industrial property. Chavalit Uttasart is particularly skilled at dealing with high-profile corporate and financial transactions within real estate.

Practice head(s):

Thiti Homjabok


Other key lawyers:

Chavalit Uttasart; Christopher Osborne


Key clients

Siam Makro Public Co., Ltd


A prominent Japanese automotive manufacturer


Arora Family


Work highlights


  • Advised Siam Makro Public Co., Ltd., a leading Thai real estate developer, Siam Makro on the opening of new stores in many locations in the greater Bangkok area and in other provinces across Thailand.
  • Advised the client, a prominent Japanese automotive manufacturer on a compliance audit.

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited fields a team of corporate and dispute resolution lawyers who service clients from across the industrial and commercial industries, attracting interest from developers, engineering companies and high-net-worth individuals. The practice is led by Kay Kian Tan, who advises corporates and multinationals in arbitration and litigation. The team is bolstered by the expertise of Lyle Andrews, who guides clients through engineering and construction contracts.

Practice head(s):

Kay Kian Tan


Other key lawyers:

Lyle Andrews


Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners's client roster includes a wide range of private and institutional investors, as well as owners and developers to whom it offers advice across the breadth of real estate matters, assisting on due diligence, mortgage restrictions, hotel licencing matters, land use rights and leasing. Practice head Sunyaluck Chaikajornwat heads the real estate team’s M&A, banking and finance offering, while Chusak Suwanpuchai is sought after for his knowledge of land and construction matters.

Practice head(s):

Sunyaluck Chaikajornwat


Other key lawyers:

Chusak Suwanpuchai


Key clients

Asset World Public Company Limited


Dusit Thani Public Company Limited


Ananda Development Public Company Limited


PACE Development Corporation Public Company Limited


Index Living Mall


U City Public Company Limited


Central Pattana Public Company Limited


Amburaya Hotel & Resorts Group


LH Hotel Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust


Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited