The Legal 500

Baker & McKenzie impresses due to the ‘unrivalled size, scope and experience’ of its real estate team, with clients in agreement that ‘no other firm comes close to Bakers’ expertise’. Sorachon Boonsong is the ‘leading lawyer in the field’ and heads a practice that covers financings, development, corporate matters and litigation across both the residential and leisure sectors. Among its recent highlights, it advised Areeya Property on negotiations with the American Alumni Association and the Privy Purse for the lease of 5 Rai Land to construct a mix-used commercial building, worth approximately THB5bn.

Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co, Ltd is recommended for its ‘professional and client-led service’, with Simon Makinson highlighted as ‘very commercial’. The firm advised Raimon Land on the split of land in central Bangkok into two titles and its subsequent sale to Thai Summit Grande Estate and Noble Development - a project value of THB4bn.

Historically strong on the retail side, DLA Piper has broken successfully into the leisure sector; the arrival of senior consultant Tim Dobson in 2010 further strengthens that side of the practice. Dusadee Jittasaiyapan has ‘strong real estate knowledge’, while senior associate Benjamin Hirasawa is ‘wonderful to work with’. The firm continues to advise Ek-Chai Distribution System (Tesco Lotus) on all real estate matters in Thailand.

LS Horizon Limited is ‘the market leader for property funds’ and the firm also has strong experience in advising on real estate finance and corporate matters. The prolific Khemajit Choomwattana is highly recommended and advised Krung Thai Asset Management on the THB4bn establishment of the Dusit Thani Freehold and Leasehold Property Fund.

At Linklaters, Pichitpon Eammongkolchai is praised as ‘one of the best partners in the market’. Clients commend the firm for its ‘very strong team at both partner level and junior level’ and for its ‘excellent response times and advice’. Corporate matters and structured real estate transactions are the main focus and it advised Pramerica on the €120m disposal of all its shares and subordinated loans in Ananda Development Two.

Siam Premier’s property practice has a strong record in acting for developers but also represents property funds and banks on real estate matters. In a headline transaction, the firm advised Singapore-based developer, Roxy Park, on the divestment of its stake in Pan Talay - a joint venture to establish a hotel development in Southern Thailand.

Tilleke & Gibbins’ Phuket office ensures it receives a steady flow of leisure instructions, while its Bangkok office handles a well-balanced mix of residential and mixed-use projects. In a landmark case, the firm is representing a household name fashion retailer in several real estate disputes arising from the termination of a 30-year franchisee relationship.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Peangpanor provides a ‘client-focused and business-friendly’ service under the leadership of joint heads Chinnavat Chinsangaram and Pakdee Paknara. Funds, development and financing are all strong areas, and the firm recently represented Siam Commercial bank in the Dawei Project Devlopment - a concession for an industrial estate and deep sea port development in Myanmar.

Chandler & Thong-ek Law Offices Limited excels on the development finance side. Jessada Sawatdipong advised Krung Thai Bank on the provision of $75m facilities for the construction of several projects in Laos including the Namsana Hydropower Project.

Clifford Chance (Thailand) Limited advised HSBC on a THB8bn loan to the owner of the Peninsular Hotel Bangkok, Siam Chaophraya Holdings. The firm also advises on corporate real estate matters.

Herbert Smith (Thailand) Limited has a market-leading contentious construction practice, which specialises in advising energy companies on construction litigation.

Hunton & Williams (Thailand) Limited is well known for project construction but it also handles a steady stream of real estate finance. Surasak Vajasit advised Krung Thai Bank on a THB7bn acquisition financing provided to a Thai company to purchase interests in hotel properties.

Blumenthal Richter & Sumet has sound experience in real estate development and corporate issues. The firm advised a Singapore-based company on the development of multiple hotels in Southeast Asia.

At International Legal Counsellors Thailand, Mallika E S Margherita is the main contact for leisure and residential development matters.

The Legists Ltd specialises in energy-related construction contracts but it also handles property finance and commercial development.