The Legal 500 > Asia Pacific > Thailand > Banking and finance

Baker McKenzie's banking and finance team handles a wide variety of lending work, including project finance, and is also experienced in private banking, bank regulation, and fintech. Thinawat Bukhamana heads up the team, and has recently focused on acquisition finance in relation to publicly listed companies, representing both the banks and the buyers. Chaveewan  Likhitwattanachai led several of the team's standout transactions, having recently acted for KASIKORNBANK in the provision of financing for the construction and development of the Samyan Mitrtown misex use project. Sawanee Sethsathira heads the project finance group and has been involved in PPP projects including the sky train and the underground mass transit. Komkrit Kietduriyakul leads the office's structured finance group and is routinely involved in complex debt offerings and derivatives transactions. Waranon Vanichprapa displays a specialism in export credit financing, bank lending and cross border financing. Somika Phagapasvivat is another notable name, working on financing for infrastructure funds and more recently delving into the area of fintech. Kullarat Phongsathaporn is another name to note in the fintech space, where she has particular experience of e-payment matters.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners' banking and finance team acts for domestic and international borrowers and banks on acquisition finance and project finance transactions. Passawan Navanithikul has experience of syndicated financing deals and recently acted for Kasemsubsiri Co on the $123m financing for PARQ mixed use real estate project. Also of note, Nattaporn Pengkul took a lead role in the major $4.5bn Global Power Synergy financing for the acquisition of shares in Glow Energy. Senior counsel James Lawden, who has stood out in major financing transactions, is also recommended.

Chandler MHM Limited's practice has a record of acting for local and international lenders, sponsors and borrowers. In particular, the team is among the most experienced in the market when it comes to assisting Japanese clients. Jessada Sawatdipong heads the practice group and has particular expertise in project finance. In addition, Sawatdipong acted for Mizuho Bank and Standard Chartered Bank as lenders in the cross-border financing for the acquisition of shares in Saigon Beer, Alcohol and Beverage Corporation in Vietnam. Supattra Sathapornnanon is a notable member of the team with an expertise in multi-party, cross-border transactions. Joseph Tisuthiwongse, a recent addition to the team, acted for a series of lenders on the project financing for the development of the Nam Theun 1 hydroelectric power plant in Laos.

Norton Rose Fulbright's core banking and finance strengths lie in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The firm is capable of advising on project, acquisition and corporate finance, acting throughout Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The practice is led by Tassanai Kiratisountorn, who has experience acting for borrowers and lenders on a variety of projects. Senior associate Chormas  Premsirinirund is also recommended. Somboon Kitiyansub left to establish his own firm in 2019.

DFDL Legal & Tax covers the full range of banking and finance services and has a record of acting for both domestic and international banks. In addition, the team has experience of the development of banking products and payment services. Vinay Ahuja is the head of the regional banking, finance and technology practice, and is a key figure for blockchain and crypto-currency mandates. Walter Heiser is a project finance specialist with a particular involvement in the power and energy sectors, and Rashane Leerabandhu is another recommended contact. Associate Walanchathas Sanguanwong has been signled out as an up-and-comer in the team.

DLA Piper (Thailand) Limited has strengths across the Asia-Pacific region, where it acts for borrowers, lenders and alternative capital providers. Practice head Timothy Tan focuses on the range of banking and finance services, and recently advised Deutsche Bank on a $115m notes offering by Paladin Energy Group; this multi-jurisdictional matter brought in lawyers from the Bangkok and Singapore offices.

R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited is routinely involved in complex cross-border financing transactions, particularly in the context of major project developments. Names to note in the practice group include Surasak Vajasit, who has a strong track record in project financing and cross-border financing disputes, and Piroon Saengpakdee, who is also rated for his expertise in project finance and development.

Siam Premier International Law Office Limited advises public sector borrowers and a variety of financial institutions including commercial and investment banks works on a range of transactional and regulatory banking and finance matters. The practice group is jointly led by Suttiphat  Khamsirivatchara, who has expertise in bank lending and structured finance, and Nithi Soomswasdi, who is a name to note for debt restructuring and project finance. The firm also fields an experienced litigation team that acts in banking disputes. Torsakul Cunvong is also recommended.

Tilleke & Gibbins' banking and finance practice has long-standing relationships with domestic and international financial institutions and investors, which it provides with a litany of regulatory advice, including being involved in the development fintech products. Key figures in the practice group include Santhapat Periera, who specialises in structured loan and other bank lending transactions, and Cynthia M. Pornavalai, who is instructed by investors and conventional lenders. Corporate and commercial partner Kobkit Thienpreecha is also active in the banking space.