The Legal 500

Baker & McKenzie has played a significant role in the current wave of telecommunication litigation sweeping Thailand due to its longstanding reputation for acting for the country’s biggest TMT clients. The firm is currently defending True Move in a mammoth $1.1bn claim against state-owned TOT relating to access charges. Litigator Kanit Vallayapet is strong on the regulatory side, while Yuthana Sivaraks is recommended for transactional work.

Linklaters is advising mobile operator Advanced Info Service (AIS) on regulatory issues relating to its concession agreement with TOT in a case worth over $1bn. In another example of its regulatory prowess, the firm was instructed by Thailand’s Ministry of Finance to advise it on the termination of the state concession regime. Transactional work is also a strong area and the team advises banks and telecoms companies on corporate finance matters. Wilailuk Okanurak is a ‘leader in the field’.

Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co, Ltd scored a coup with an instruction from Thailand’s largest telecoms and mobile phone company, Shin Corp, to advise it on issues arising from its subsidiary AIS’s concession dispute with TOT. Dumnern Subpaisarn is considered ‘second to none’ and is highlighted for his ‘bold commitment’.

At Herbert Smith (Thailand) Limited, Surapol Srangsomwong is representing Thailand’s second-largest mobile operator (DTAC) in litigation seeking a judicial review of agreements between state-owned CAT Telecom and True Corporation regarding joint investment in 3G and the threatened setting aside of DTAC’s concession.

Tilleke & Gibbins has diversified away from its traditional dependence on the IT side and now offers broad telecoms expertise alongside its historical strength in software and cybercrime matters. The firm advised a major foreign telecoms and software vendor in negotiations with five Thai mobile telecom operators to deploy mobile number portability in Thailand.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Peangpanor is advising on a significant number of telecoms disputes. Notably, the firm successfully defended Digital Phone Company in an arbitration filed by CAT Telecom alleging that it breached revenue-sharing agreements. Litigator Phisit Dejchaiyasak is recommended.

Chandler & Thong-ek Law Offices Limited has experience on advising telecoms companies on business restructuring, regulatory and contentious matters

Clifford Chance (Thailand) Limited is recommended for its transactional strength. The firm advised True Corp on its THB4.3bn acquisition of Hutchison Wireless Multimedia.

Deacons is known for its corporate and regulatory experience. Clients include international telecoms companies such as AT&T Group.

International Legal Counsellors Thailand is known for its IT work, particularly in the banking sector, although cybercrime is also an area of expertise.

LawPlus Ltd recently advised a media company on litigation arising from the organisation of a major sporting event. The firm also has solid technology experience.

Siam Premier is representing a telecoms company in a major regulatory dispute. The arrival of IP and telecommunications specialist Edward Kelly from Tilleke & Gibbins gives the firm considerable firepower in this area.

The Legists Ltd’s historical reputation for telecoms matters dates back from its participation with Thailand’s privatisation programme. Regulatory work is its main area of expertise.