Next Generation Partners

TMT in Thailand

Baker McKenzie LLP

With demonstrable cross-border capabilities, Baker McKenzie LLP’s comprehensive TMT offering includes expertise in software development and licensing, commercial contracts and litigation. Key undertakings for the team involve handling new technologies such as AI and blockchain, managing data protection and privacy issues, as well as a variety of electronic transactions. Leading the experienced team is ‘trusted adviser’ Nont Horayangura, Abe Sun, ‘true professional’ Pattaraphan Paiboon and Kritiyanee Buranatrevedhya. Horayangura represents a number of industry-leading clients on a range of issues such as AI, while Sun, who re-joined from the firm’s Singapore office in November 2022, bolsters the practice with expertise in IP matters. Paiboon’s strengths lie in the technology sphere, while assisting clients with telecoms issues, from data analytics and satellite to platform liability and e-commerce matters. Buranatrevedhya leverages her IP and technology experience to manage issues surrounding emerging new technologies. Dhiraphol Suwanprateep remains a key contact in the team.

Practice head(s):

Nont Horayangura; Abe Sun; Pattaraphan Paiboon; Kritiyanee Buranatrevedhya


Other key lawyers:

Dhiraphol Suwanprateep


Testimonials

‘Clients benefit from deep knowledge of lawyers in the team.’

‘Nont Horayangura has served as our trusted adviser for the full scope of data privacy/IT related issues across consumer and enterprise applications.’

‘It has been a great experience working with Baker McKenzie and their specialist data privacy team. We were enthused by the quality of advice we received alongside the reasonable pricing structure proposed.’

Key clients

Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB)


Work highlights


  • Advised Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking on the possible structure of the National Digital Trade Platform and provided the requisite legal documentation, such as platform terms and conditions, platform connectivity agreements, privacy policy, and data processing agreement.

Formichella & Sritawat

Advising a range of clients including foreign entities and financial institutions, Formichella & Sritawat is well-equipped to assist clients with a host of TMT issues, including cloud services, data privacy matters, e-commerce licensing and broadcasting, in addition to telecoms procurements. 'An excellent lawyer and highly experienced', the team is led by John Formichella, who acts for IT and telecoms companies in relation to their legal operations in Thailand, while Naytiwut Jamallsawat is accomplished in the data privacy and telecoms arenas, routinely assisting clients with regulatory compliance in cybersecurity and data protection.

Practice head(s):

John Formichella


Other key lawyers:

Naytiwut Jamallsawat


Testimonials

‘John Formichella and his team are a great choice for legal counsel in Thailand. They are experienced and professional and really know their stuff.’

‘They are Thailand specialists and offer excellent quality standards for eminently reasonable fees.’

‘John Formichella is an excellent lawyer and highly experienced in Thailand. John is responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Excellent work in telecommunications/regulatory issues; deep telecoms market understanding and highly responsive.’

‘John Formichella has great expertise in telecommunications law, an excellent understanding of administrative/regulatory processes and handling authorities and a deep knowledge of telecoms sector.’

‘The team at FOSA have always been very responsive to our requests and consistently deliver good quality products.’

‘Naytiwut Jamallsawat has been very reliable, customer oriented and detail oriented.’

Tilleke & Gibbins

Counting multinational giants and start-ups among its key roster of clients, Tilleke & Gibbins's diverse range of capabilities extends from AI and blockchain to IT and fintech issues, with additional expertise in handling issues concerning the Data Protection Act. Joint practice head Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh focuses on regulatory compliance matters relating to a host of issues, from data privacy to insurtech, as well as holding an established presence in managing matters arising from high-tech industries. Charuwan Charoonchitsathian leads the telecoms team and advises on mandates concerning AI, robotics and media, while Suebsiri Taweepon co-leads the firm’s technology industry department and is well-regarded for his experience in IP licensing, as well as IP rights regarding NFTs and the metaverse. Another key name to note in the practice is Nopparat Lalitkomon, who focuses on data privacy, cybersecurity, and technology matters.

Practice head(s):

Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh; Charuwan Charoonchitsathian; Suebsiri Taweepon


Other key lawyers:

Nopparat Lalitkomon


Testimonials

‘They understand the landscape in Thailand and and the advice they provide is pragmatic.’

‘Charuwan Charoonchitsathian goes the extra mile for her clients.’

Key clients

Agoda


AI and Robotics Ventures


Alibaba


Beryl 8 Plus PCL


Coda Payments


LINE Corporation


Meta Platforms, Inc.


MFEC PCL


True Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised a client on its collaboration with a leading Thai satellite operator for the deployment of a Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.
  • Appointed as the local data privacy representative for LINE Corporation and Facebook/META for compliance with regulations under Thailand’s PDPA.
  • Retained to assist Beryl 8 Plus PCL on a series of acquisitions in Thailand (collectively valued at approx. THB 1.8bn) to build a digital transformation ecosystem.

DLA Piper

While witnessing an increase in investment and M&A transactions in its TMT practice this year, DLA Piper is a strong choice for clients seeking assistance with data protection and privacy matters, in addition to technology-related issues, particularly contentious cases. Samata Masagee leads the team, with experience in the technology, telecoms, media and start-ups industries. Don Rojanapenkul leads the litigation and regulatory practice, advising technology, telecoms and media clients on high-value disputes, while senior associate Nopparat Rerkpisut handles corporate-related matters in the TMT arena.

Practice head(s):

Samata Masagee


Other key lawyers:

Don Rojanapenkul; Nopparat Rerkpisut


Testimonials

‘DLA Piper is very well-versed in telecoms regulation in Thailand.’

Key clients

SCB 10X Co., Ltd.


Mavenir, Inc.


Bolt Technologies OU


SITA Information Networking Computing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.


Medi24 AG


The Monk Interactive PTE. LTD


The Monk Studios Co., Ltd.


Samsung SDS Co., Ltd.


LINE Company (Thailand) Limited


True Corporation Public Company Limited


5G Catalyst Technologies Co., Ltd.


JKN Global Media PLC


Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Must Be Company Limited, an investment vehicle of Frasers Property Limited, in its joint venture with SCG Distribution Company Limited on its investment in Betterbe Marketplace Company Limited.
  • Advising a multinational technology company on its establishment of data center facilities in Thailand.
  • Advising a VFX production studio in Thailand on the development of a metaverse project and games, as well as advising on the terms of use and regulatory issues.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s practice has seen an uptake in transactions relating to digital platforms, fintech and cryptocurrency, with additional experience advising on crowdfunding mandates, peer-to-peer lending and licensing matters. Practice head Stephen John Bennett handles M&A, capital markets transactions, telecoms and fintech-related issues, while Somruetai Noppornprom is noted for her expertise in the telecoms arena. Yaowarote Klinboon left in January 2023. Key clients include China Mobile International Holdings Limited, Tik Tok and Tencent Holdings Limited, among others.

Practice head(s):

Stephen John Bennett


Other key lawyers:

Somruetai Noppornprom


Key clients

China Mobile International Holdings Limited


Bytedance Pte. Lte.


Tencent Holdings Limited


Tik Tok Pte Ltd


Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EGCO)


Thaicom Public Company Limited


SCB 10X Co., Ltd.


Sabuy Technology Public Company Limited


China Literature Limited


Delivery Hero (Foodpanda)


Work highlights


  • Represented China Literature on the sale and exchange of all its shares in Ookbee U Company Limited for approximately 17.14% of shares in Ookbee Company Limited.
  • Acting as Counsel to SCB 10X Co., Ltd. as purchaser on the due diligence on and potential acquisition of five investment arms and 16 investment portfolio companies in multiple jurisdictions across the world through an investment in up to a 25% (in aggregate) stake in SBI Digital Markets Pte., Ltd. and an investment of up to 11% ( in aggregate) stake in SBI Digital Asset Holdings Co., Ltd., in Japan.
  • Advised EGCO, as purchaser, on a strategic investment by the acquisition of 24.24% of the total shares in Peer Power Company Limited.

R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited

Advisng on e-commerce and e-payments-related matters, R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited's offering encompasses a diverse array of TMT issues, including new technologies, such as data security and fintech matters. The practice is jointly led by Supawat Srirungruang, who is geared to handle personal data protection mandates, and Saroj Jongsaritwang, who counts e-commerce, US and China telecoms providers and social media companies among his key roster of clients. Counsel Yingrak Treesaranuwattana, who is noted for his expertise in the e-commerce sphere, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Supawat Srirungruang; Saroj Jongsaritwang


Other key lawyers:

Yingrak Treesaranuwattana; Melisa Uremovic


Key clients

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co., Ltd.


Lazada Ltd.


Stock Exchange of Thailand


HelloPay Co., Ltd. (part of the Lazada/Alibaba group)


Work highlights


  • Provided a complete examination of the PDPA compliance of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) and its 17 subsidiary and/or associate companies, which operate integrated agro-industrial and food businesses in Thailand and internationally.
  • Providing the personal data protection compliance service for HelloPay Co., Ltd., an e-payment company within the Lazada / Alibaba Group.
  • Advising the Stock Exchange of Thailand on the setup of a digital asset investment service platform.

Kudun & Partners

Kudun & Partners advises on the full gamut of TMT issues, with notable expertise in the digital arena. Key capabilities of the practice include information security, cybersecurity frameworks, cloud storage and a variety of TMT-related disputes. The practice is jointly led by Saravut Krailadsiri, who acts for clients in the TMT realm on tax matters, corporate restructurings and M&A, and Kongkoch Yongsavasdikul, who is proficient in handling fundraising projects for tech start-ups. Thanyaluck Thongrompo is well-versed in personal data protection and IP services, while senior associate Koraphot Jirachocksubsin assists on privacy, data protection, fintech and cybersecurity matters.

Practice head(s):

Saravut Krailadsiri; Kongkoch Yongsavasdikul


Other key lawyers:

Thanyaluck Thongrompo; Koraphot Jirachocksubsin


Testimonials

‘Good communication.’

Key clients

Zipmex Thailand Company Limited


The Bank for International Settlements


Bay Computing


One to One Contacts Public Company Limited


Platt Finserve Co., Ltd.


Gulf Energy Development PCL


Angel Time


The KE Group Co., Ltd. and 6 of its subsidiaries


Brighton College International School Bangkok (BCB)


Genpact Consulting (Singapore) Pte. Ltd


Elite Consulting Group


Work highlights


  • Representing and advising Zipmex Thailand and Zipmex Asia Pte., Ltd. in an unprecedented dispute involving an SEC-authorised digital asset exchange platform that possesses an official license in a multi-jurisdictional moratorium process, under the court of Singapore and also in dealing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand.
  • Advising the Bank for International Settlements as co-counsel for Thailand to design and develop an innovative cross-border payment infrastructure platform.
  • Representing Bay Computing Co., Ltd. on the sale of its retail and peripheral units to Beryl 8 Plus Public Company Limited.

Linklaters

Led by Wilailuk Okanurak, the TMT practice at Linklaters handles insurtech, reg-tech and digital health projects, with demonstrable experience advising on IT outsourcing and technology-related M&A. Okanurak acts for leading companies in the telecoms and high-technology industries, while Wanwisar Nakarat handles an array of corporate transactions, especially in the remit of e-commerce, as well as advising on projects relating to satellites. Sutthipong Koohasaneh, who manages a variety of TMT transactions for clients across Thailand and Southeast Asia, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Wilailuk Okanurak


Other key lawyers:

Wanwisar Nakarat; Sutthipong Koohasaneh


Testimonials

‘Linklaters offers real professional services with reasonable fees. Their strengths and capabilities cover all businesses needed with great facilities.’

Key clients

Ascend Capital Co., Ltd.


Bangkok Bank Plc.


BNP Paribas


Digital Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund


Gulf Development Public Company Limited


Intouch


KASIKORNBANK Plc.


Kiatnakin Bank Plc.


Krung Thai Bank Plc.


LINE MAN Wongnai


Morgan Stanley Private Equity


SCB 10X Co., Ltd.


Singha Ventures


Thaicom Plc.


The Siam Commercial Bank Plc.


Total Access Communications Plc.


True Corporation Plc.


True Digital Group


True Incube Company Limited


United Technologies Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised True Corporation Public Company Limited (True) on its amalgamation with Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (dtac) to create a new telecom-tech company (which maintains its name as True) whose shares are listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand with the total asset value of approximately $22.6bn.
  • Advising True Corporation Public Company Limited as part of its amalgamation with Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (dtac) to create a new telecom-tech company, on two administrative cases challenging the decision of the NBTC in relation to the merger of True and dtac.
  • Advised LINE Man Corporation Pte. Ltd (LINE MAN) on its US$265m Series B fundraising in LINE MAN Wongnai.

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited

Counting a range of online platforms, retailers and financial institutions among its key roster of clients, Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited’s varied offering includes patent, licensing and commercial contracts, with additional litigation and arbitration experience. Practice head Piyanuj (Lui) Ratprasatporn is regularly entrusted by clients to handle corporate and commercial operations in the TMT sphere.

Practice head(s):

Piyanuj (Lui) Ratprasatporn


Testimonials

‘The firm is truly knowledgeable at forming litigation tactics and preventing disputes.’

‘Our experience working with WFW team is very positive. They can provide clear-cut advice and develop strategies which are suitable from the view of international and domestic legal aspects.’

Key clients

Wire & Wireless Co., Ltd.


ZA Tech Global Limited


Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners leverages data privacy, IP and regulatory expertise to handle matters on behalf of e-commerce, media and telecoms clients. Phisit Dejchaiyasak is entrusted by telecoms and internet service providers to assist with a variety of disputes, and Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana is another key name to note in the practice. Veeranuch Thammavaranucupt left the practice in March 2023.

Other key lawyers:

Phisit Dejchaiyasak; Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana


Key clients

Grab


Go-Jek Singapore Pte. Ltd.


Shopee


Taobao


VGI Global Media


Plan B Media


Hero Experience (Marvel)


Symphony Communications Public Company Limited


CAT Telecom Public Company Limited


Prananporn Co., Ltd.


Total Access Communications Public Company Limited (DTAC)


Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS)


Jasmine International Public Company Limited


SF Group