Baker McKenzie LLP’s ‘outstanding’ team is led by Wynn Pakdeejit, who has experience in commercial disputes, construction litigation and arbitration, as well as contentious tax and customs matters. The practice also counts on the expertise of Chaiporn Supvoranid, who is praised as a ‘true expert in employment disputes’, and advises on corporate fraud investigations and insurance claims. Counting multinational corporations, state-owned entities and state agencies among its key roster of clients, the team is at the forefront of class actions, in addition to corporate and commercial disputes. Paralee Techajongjintana, who handles contentious administrative law matters, is another key contact in the group
Dispute resolution in Thailand
Baker McKenzie LLP
Practice head(s):
Wynn Pakdeejit
Other key lawyers:
Chaiporn Supvoranid; Paralee Techajongjintana; Hathaichanok Jittreenet
Testimonials
‘Baker Mckenzie has an outstanding way of working with its clients. The partner in charge of clients is always flexible and focuses on building a long-term relationship.’
‘They are a true one-stop service law firm as their internal teams consist of experts of all legal fields. They are able to form the ideal team that consists of the required experts to offer the right service for the client.’
‘Chaiporn Supvoranid is the true expert in employment disputes. He has always been able to give us reliable and practical solutions, using his technical knowledge, good common sense and understanding of business needs.’
Kudun & Partners
With demonstrable experience across the energy, telecoms, automotive and aviation sectors, Kudun & Partners’s ‘first-class’ practice is noted for its capability in domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Key areas of expertise range from bankruptcy and rehabilitation cases to contentious administrative law, corporate and commercial matters. The team is jointly led by Somboon Sangrungjang, who is ‘highly recommended for his extremely well-versed expertise in administrative law and commercial disputes’, and Pariyapol Kamolsilp, who advises clients in insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings. Niruch Winiyakul, who handles labour and international trade disputes, is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Somboon Sangrungjang; Pariyapol Kamolsilp
Other key lawyers:
Niruch Winiyakul
Testimonials
‘Kudun & Partners’s advice and services are first-class, comparable to some of the larger international firms in Thailand. They are highly responsive to our needs and know what we need.’
‘Somboon Sangrungjang is a senior lawyer and highly recommended for his extremely well-versed expertise in administrative law and commercial disputes. He is able to foresee a few steps ahead of the opposing party’s moves and take preventive measures to protect our interests.’
‘Niruch Winiyakul is smart and very hands-on.’
‘They have an excellent team that is flexible and highly responsive to our needs.’
‘Somboon Sangrungjang possesses analytical and negotiating skills that go beyond emotional intelligence, which is important in circumstances where the emotional load of the parties can often overcome rational reasoning. He is fierce, always able to think out of the box and has an excellent team.’
‘Somboon Sangrungjang is an outstanding lawyer. What has impressed us the most is his ability to understand and analyse the facts and situations based on his deep knowledge of the law.’
‘Kudun & Partners is able to provide the full suite of legal services, with each individual attorney operating at an extremely high level.’
‘Pariyapol Kamolsilp provides good strategic thinking and great litigation experience.’
Key clients
LG Electronics
Jetion Solar (Thailand)
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited
IRPC Public Company Limited
Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd.
RHB Securities Public Company Limited
Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited
Triple T Broadband Public Company Limited
Singha Estate Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Representing a construction company with respect to an administrative dispute against the Expressway Authority of Thailand regarding the Terms of Reference of Rama 3 Expressway Project with an initial project cost of THB5.8bn at the Central Administrative Court.
- Representing LG Electronics (Thailand) Company Limited as the defendant where the Plaintiff claimed that the defendant has defaulted on a dealer agreement by filing the statement of defense with the court by refuting all allegations made by the plaintiff and requesting the court to dismiss the case.
- Representing a integrated energy and refining company with respect to the enforcement of a foreign arbitral award (US Arbitration) against a state-owned oil and gas company at Thailand’s Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court.
Tilleke & Gibbins
Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution team is ‘comprised of experts in their own domains, which makes the firm a one-stop shop for all advice’. With demonstrable experience across all forms of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration and mediation, the practice's caseload includes administrative law disputes and aviation cases, in addition to bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings. Head of the firm's regional aviation, compliance and investigations practices, John Frangos, who advises on contentious aircraft repossession matters, oversees the team alongside Chusert Supasitthumrong, who specialises in employment disputes. The practice also relies on the expertise of chief litigator Thawat Damsa-ard
and managing partner Tiziana Sucharitkul.
Practice head(s):
John Frangos; Chusert Supasitthumrong
Other key lawyers:
Thawat Damsa-ard; Tiziana Sucharitkul
Testimonials
‘Tilleke & Gibbins’ team delivers practical advice and helps us navigate the restructuring proceedings in Thailand, which we are not familiar with.’
‘The team is comprised of experts in their own domains, which makes the firm a one-stop shop for all advice. The vast experience of the team is very useful.’
‘Thawat Damsa-ard is one of the leading lawyers in the country.’
‘Very strong international law firm.’
‘They have a large and diversified team. I am impressed with the dedication and commitment of their team.’
Key clients
AIG
Airbus
American Express
Bureau Veritas
Euler Hermes
General Motors
Goodyear
Lonsin Capital
Saab
Stryker Corporation
Work highlights
- Representing Thailand’s largest ISP as an interpleader in an environmental and public health dispute at the local administrative court, in relation to a high performance submarine internet cable project.
- Represented American Express, Collins Aerospace, dnata, and Euler Hermes, and numerous other creditors in securing debt repayment in connection with Thai Airways’ business rehabilitation.
- Representing a European aerospace and defense company in litigation against the Royal Thai Navy, in relation to the breach of a defense equipment contract worth over THB600m.
Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited
Noted for its domestic and international capability, Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited’s dispute resolution team handles a broad range of multi-jurisdictional disputes, with notable expertise across the energy, real estate and transport sectors. Steven Burkill, who advises on UK and Asia-based arbitrations concerning large-scale power and oil and gas projects, jointly leads the ‘attentive’ team alongside Ratthakarn Boonnua and Kay Kian Tan. Boonnua’s expertise covers contentious international trade matters, commercial disputes and business crime litigation, while Tan specialises in the power and energy disputes, transport mandates and insurance claims.
Practice head(s):
Steven Burkill; Kay Kian Tan; Ratthakarn Boonnua
Testimonials
‘Direct and to the point. The team provides legal advice with a commercial edge.’
‘They try to understand the client’s concerns and help explore all possible solutions in a short period of time.’
‘Very good grasp on what we hoped to achieve and exhibited a clear understanding on the specifics and legal issues involved in our case.’
Key clients
AIG
Expacare Insurance
PTT Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Representing PTT Public Company Limited, the Thai state-owned and SET-listed oil and gas company, in a Supreme Court hearing in front of Lord Hodge, Lady Arden, Lord Sales, Lord Leggatt and Lord Burrows.
Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners
Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners provides ‘strategic advice’ on a broad range of disputes, from contentious administrative law, automotive and aviation matters to construction and engineering, anti-corruption and competition law cases. The team also advises on media and public relation issues, assisting clients in tackling media exposure challenges that often arise from disputes. Practice leader Phisit Dejchaiyasak has considerable experience in domestic and cross-border litigations and arbitrations, while counsel Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana focuses on civil, criminal, bankruptcy and administrative law cases.
Practice head(s):
Phisit Dejchaiyasak
Other key lawyers:
Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana
Testimonials
‘Their main strengths are that they provide strategic advice, and their attention to detail is second to none. They pushed the overall quality of legal services to another level.’
‘Very professional and know their work very well. Very efficient and responsive at all times.’
‘WCP’s has a large team of very bright associates, who are able to handle complex issues quickly.’
Key clients
PTT Group
Symphony Communications Public Company Limited
Thaicom Public Company Limited
Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited
Pacific Alliance Group
Asia Insurance 1950 Public Company Limited
AIA
GMM Grammy
Reed Tradex Co., Ltd.
Taiyo Holdings
Reed Tradex
Mitsui Bussan Automotive
RRB Group Private
Skill Power
Chandler MHM Limited
Chandler MHM Limited acts for both domestic and international clients on a range of disputes, including bankruptcy and rehabilitation proceedings, commercial litigation, contentious construction matters, as well as employment and international trade disputes. The team also has experience appearing before the Thai courts and the specialised courts. Practice leader Waree Shinsirikul has expertise in litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters, while Nathee Silacharoen advises on labour and employment cases, corporate and commercial litigious matters, as well as international trade disputes.
Practice head(s):
Waree Shinsirikul
Other key lawyers:
Nathee Silacharoen
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint to act on a range of multi-jurisdictional disputes, from construction cases and insurance claims to litigations and international arbitrations. The team also stands out for its capability in handling large-scale commercial disputes arising out of emerging markets. Experienced litigator and practice leader Don Rojanapenkul represents clients in various forms of dispute resolution, ranging from court proceedings to arbitrations and mediations in Thailand. The practice counts on the expertise of Komson Suntheeraporn, who was promoted to partner in May 2021 and specialises in contentious employment matters, and senior associate Akyn Suttawatanadech, who focuses on real estate and construction-related disputes.
Practice head(s):
Don Rojanapenkul
Other key lawyers:
Komson Suntheeraporn; Akyn Suttawatanadech
Key clients
Group Lease PCL
Korean Reinsurance Company
The Met Condominium Juristic Person
The Shell Company of Thailand Limited
Syngenta Crop Protection Ltd
Work highlights
- Representing Group Lease PCL in relation to a series of civil claims concerning multiple investment agreements, as well as acting as lead counsel on all related domestic civil and criminal proceedings and supervisory counsel on litigation in other jurisdictions.
- Acting as co-counsel to Korean Re in a complex quota share reinsurance treaty dispute with Thai Reinsurance PCL (Thai Re).
- Acting as counsel in an LCIA arbitration against Shell’s freight forwarding agent in Thailand.
Herbert Smith Freehills (Thailand) Limited
The ‘well-prepared, professional and highly competent’ team at Herbert Smith Freehills (Thailand) Limited works domestically and internationally across various industry sectors, including telecoms and technology, banking and finance, as well as energy and infrastructure. The practice also stands out for its capability in advising Japanese clients on competition-related litigation. Team leader Chinnawat Thongpakdee has expertise in insolvency proceedings, fraud cases and employment disputes, while Warathorn Wongsawangsiri advises on a range of contentious matters, often involving a cross-border element. Associate Rachata Champathong, who acts for clients in commercial disputes and criminal litigation, is another key member of the practice.
Practice head(s):
Chinnawat Thongpakdee
Other key lawyers:
Warathorn Wongsawangsiri; Rachata Champathong
Testimonials
‘This is an excellent team. Well-prepared, professional and highly competent.’
‘I would single out in particular Warathorn Wongsawangsiri and Rachata Champathong for their high-quality advice and professionalism.’
‘HSF impressed us when helping us navigate through understanding Thai law and Thai court procedures and processes in Bangkok. They are very practical and have clear, concise, appropriate communication skills to deliver detailed and complicated information about Thai law and procedure simply in English.’
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited’s dispute resolution team is led by Surasak Vajasit, who works across the public and private sectors, with experience in handling regulatory matters involving customs and anti-corruption proceedings. The team represents clients in challenges to government decision-making, in addition to handling contentious civil and criminal matters. Other key areas of expertise include tax, customs and trade disputes. Pakpoom Suntornvipat, who has experience in commercial and criminal litigation, as well as customs disputes, is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Surasak Vajasit
Other key lawyers:
Pakpoom Suntornvipat
Testimonials
‘This practice has a team of dedicated and excellent lawyers, who are committed to delivering solutions for their clients.’
‘Special mention for Surasak Vajasit, the managing partner, who stays on top of the case.’
Key clients
Philip Morris (Thailand) Limited
Siam Premier International Law Office Limited
Siam Premier International Law Office Limited’s dispute resolution team is led by Kong Suriyamontol, who has experience across the mining and natural resources, oil and gas and construction sectors, Techatat Udomsiri and Sumit Masrungson. Praised as a ‘safe and steady pair of hands’, Udomsiri’s expertise covers major contracts, construction and trade matters, while Masrungson advises on employment disputes, as well as rehabilitation and bankruptcy proceedings. The team’s caseload includes aviation disputes, administrative law proceedings and banking and finance litigation. The practice has been boosted by Suraphon Rittipongchusit who has joined from Kennedys.
Practice head(s):
Kong Suriyamontol; Techatat Udomsiri; Sumit Masrungson
Other key lawyers:
Suraphon Rittipongchusit
Testimonials
‘The team has an outstanding blend of local expertise and lawyers with international experience. The team is fluent in English and is a wonderful bridge to Thai entities and individuals.’
‘Techatat Udomsiri has a vast experience in commercial litigation.’
‘It has been a joy working with Siam Premier.’
‘Techatat Udomsiri is one of the most experienced Thai litigators in the market. He is a very safe and steady pair of hands for the most complex and difficult disputes.’
Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd.
Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd. handles a broad range of disputes, from commercial litigation and employment cases to bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings, with demonstrable experience before the civil, criminal and administrative courts. Anuwat Ngamprasertkul leads the team and represents clients in shareholder disputes, white-collar crime cases, contentious labour matters and tax-related litigation.
Practice head(s):
Anuwat Ngamprasertkul
Formichella & Sritawat
Boutique firm Formichella & Sritawat handles a broad range of disputes, from bankruptcy proceedings and civil fraud claims to IP infringement cases and shareholders disputes. With experience in civil and criminal litigation, the team is led by ‘experienced’ M.L. Numlapyos Sritawat, who acts for clients across the technology, banking, media and construction sectors. Associate Patchamon Purikasem, who advises on hospitality-related litigation, is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
M.L. Numlapyos Sritawat
Other key lawyers:
Patchamon Purikasem
Testimonials
‘Good case management. Contactable and responsive.’
‘Numlapyos Sritawat clearly is a very experienced lawyer.’
‘Very attentive and good service. Clear and concise information.’
Kennedys
With demonstrable experience across the hospitality, real estate, insurance and healthcare, Kennedys stand outs for its expertise in commercial litigation and international arbitration, in addition to advising on subrogated actions for insurers. The team is led by arbitration expert Ian Johnston, who focuses on commercial contract disputes, hospitality cases and contentious insurance matters. Suraphon Rittipongchusit has left the practice to join Siam Premier International Law Office Limited.
Practice head(s):
Ian Johnston
Key clients
Minor International PCL
MI Squared Co., Ltd.
Dhipaya Insurance PCL
Bangkok Insurance PCL
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE Singapore branch
Chubb Samaggi Insurance PCL
Hyatt (Thailand) Ltd.
Axis, London
MFG International Holdings (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Natipatana Law Office
Praised for its ‘excellent track record and capabilities’, specialist dispute resolution and corporate advisory firm Natipatana Law Office acts for clients in Thailand and across the ASEAN region on cross-border disputes. The team is led by Nattaphol Chinawong, who has ‘first-hand knowledge’ in commercial and civil disputes. Other key members of the team include Nuttawut Chinawong, who handles a range of commercial, corporate, administrative and labour disputes, and Craig Arndt, who acts for clients in commercial arbitration proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Nattaphol Chinawong
Other key lawyers:
Nuttawut Chinawong; Craig Arndt
Testimonials
‘Nuttawut Chinawong has successfully litigated many cases, both commercial and criminal, in Thailand.’
‘Nattaphol Chinawong is taking the firm to the next level of legal services and capabilities, whilst modernising the firm’s operations and interactions with customers. Small boutique firm with excellent track record and capabilities at very reasonable prices.’
‘Nattaphol Chinawong is an exceptionally well-rounded lawyer with first-hand knowledge of both commercial and criminal matters and case law.’
‘The team is very well-coordinated and despite dealing with various different members of the team, they are all kept well appraised of the particulars of the client’s case. They are responsive and highly professional.’
Key clients
Facebook Thailand
Meta Platforms Inc.
White and Case
Drews and Napier LLC
The British Embassy
The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo
Allergan
Visa
Grab Taxi
Toyota Leasing
Hunting plc
Allison Transmission Inc.
Weatherford Thailand
Ivanhoe Group
Kuwait Airways
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Water Park
KONE plc
Raffles Assets Thailand
Kasikorn Bank plc
UOB Bank
Siriraj Foundation
Sharp Thai
Work highlights
- Advised Facebook regarding takedown orders and advises the company on general legal matters in connection with Thai law including data privacy law, cyber law, intellectual property and civil and commercial law.
- Advised on all legal matters concerning the British Embassy, such as diplomatic immunity, extradition, criminal law, labour law, civil and commercial law.
- Advised a Visa entity in connection with a settlement agreement from Thai law perspective.
SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd
Counting local and regional entities among its key roster of clients, SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd’s practice has demonstrable experience advising on administrative law disputes, bankruptcy and rehabilitation proceedings, as well as banking and finance litigation. The team is also noted for its capability in arbitrations and mediations. Managing partner and practice leader Chavalit Uttasart advises on patent and copyright infringement cases, while Vira Kammee remains a key contact in the team.
Practice head(s):
Chavalit Uttasart
Other key lawyers:
Vira Kammee
Key clients
Nok Airlines PCL
BSL Leasing Co., Ltd.
Siam Makro PCL
Minor International PCL
Thai Transactional Bank
Work highlights
- Representing Nok Air, which recently changed its branding from a budget airline to a premium airline and entered into court-supervised rehabilitation proceedings to resolve its financial liquidity issues.
- Advised BSL Leasing, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and JA Mitsui Leasing Ltd., in connection with pursuit of an outstanding payment arising from the hire, purchase, and lease of products in an amount in excess of THB380m.
- Defending Siam Makro against claims brought by its suppliers to recover outstanding over payments of approximately THB76.5m.