Baker McKenzie LLP represents multinational corporations, state-owned entities and state agencies in construction, tax and customs and intellectual property disputes. Praised for being ‘in a league of his own', managing partner Wynn Pakdeejit leads the practice and is noted for his expertise in commercial disputes, construction litigation and insolvency and debt restructuring proceedings. Paralee Techajongjintana is ‘unrivalled in administrative disputes’, while Chaiporn Supvoranid, who ‘continuously proves his expertise in his fields’, advises telecoms groups, manufacturers and domestic companies in shareholder disputes. Other key contacts include Piya Krootdaecha, who is a ‘leading figure for major project disputes and white-collar crime’, and Kanit Vallayapet, who has experience in administrative disputes.
Dispute resolution in Thailand
Baker McKenzie LLP
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Paralee Techajongjintana; Chaiporn Supvoranid; Piya Krootdaecha; Kanit Vallayapet
Testimonials
‘Baker McKenzie’s practice is highly practical and focuses on the client’s needs. They are somewhat flexible on the fees and always willing to openly discuss the matter before each case begins.’
‘Chaiporn Supvoranid continuously proves his expertise in his fields with up-to-date developments of the laws and precedents, and applying this to give practical solutions to our legal issues.’
‘Wynn Pakdeejit particularly stands out to me as he is one the rare lawyers with the complete package. Not only is he the top litigator, but he also has a good command of the dispute resolution practice team and holds an invaluable role in all the major transactions of the firm. Lawyers are usually one or two steps ahead as they try to formulate a strategy and look towards the big picture. Wynn, however, is in a league of his own as he is five steps or ten steps ahead of us, and yet never loses sight of detail and drives all his effort for each single step. I undoubtedly trust that whatever result I am hoping for, Wynn is my best bet. There are also two other exceptional lawyers who stand out, Paralee is unrivalled in administrative disputes, many of which are significant matters covered by the media, and Piya is the leading figure for major project disputes and white-collar crime, for which he has unmatched experience and know-how.’
Key clients
True Move Corporation
Deutsche Bank AG
PTT Group
Noble Development Company
General Motors (Thailand) Ltd.
Bangkok Expressway and Metro PCL
AXA Insurance Co., Ltd.
Boonrawd Group
Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing a leading telecoms corporation in multiple cases involving the National Broadcasting and Telecoms Committee and CAT Public Telecom Company.
Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited
Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited is well-placed to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes and acts for a range of clients, including investment banks, corporations, shipping lines and aviation entities. It is also noted for its specialisms in the construction, energy, insurance and commodities sectors. Practice head Steven Burkill has experience in representing clients in the Thai, English and US courts. Kay Kian Tan focuses on commercial litigation. Praised for his 'strong analytical‘ skills, Ratthakarn Boonnua has experience in international trade and commercial disputes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Kay Kian Tan; Ratthakarn Boonnua; Alan Polivnick; Kunadha Gajaseni; Chananya Ratthanacharoen
Testimonials
‘The attorneys at Watson Farley & Williams are hard-working, smart, and very enjoyable to work with. Ratthakarn Boonnua (partner) in particular has strong leadership, analytical, and teamwork skills, and Kunadha Gajaseni (associate) is very diligent, responsive, precise, and organised.’
‘I have found them to be very thorough in the way that they approach every aspect of the case.’
‘Ratthakarn Boonnua’s advice helped us to prevent litigation from occurring, whether substantively or procedurally. The advice we received was thorough and the firm was generally available on call for urgent assistance. Also worth mentioning are two upcoming leading associates, Kunadha Gajaseni and Chananya Ratthanacharoen.’
Key clients
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited
Beale & Company
Escher Marwick PLC and Bedford Row
Poonsub Can Co Ltd
PTT Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited in a multi-million dollar claim brought against by one of the distributor of BCP’s lubricant products in the Thai Courts.
Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners
Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners handles pre-litigation and litigation cases before all levels of court. The practice represents clients in disputes across multiple industry sectors, including construction, insurance, energy, employment and intellectual property. The team is led by Phisit Dejchaiyasak, who represents Thai corporations and conglomerates in domestic and cross-border disputes. Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana has experience in handling civil, criminal, bankruptcy and administrative dispute resolution matters, while senior associate Pralakorn Siwawej acts for clients in cross-border disputes and provides strategic planning in the pre-litigation phase. Sakchai Limsiripothong and Pathorn Towongchuen are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana ; Pralakorn Siwawej ; Sakchai Limsiripothong ; Pathorn Towongchuen; Jedsarit Sahussarungsi
Testimonials
‘Timely and insightful advice‘.
‘A leading disputes practice among the Thai law firms. A “go to” team for any Thai court litigation matter.’
‘In addition to some standout individuals in the team (most notably, the ever incisive senior associate Jedsarit Sahussarungsi), the team as a whole works well together and this shines through in the end product. Always a pleasure working with this team.’
‘Jedsarit Sahussarungsi is extremely capable, responsive and knowledgeable about Thai court procedures. He gives clear advice which is focused on the client’s objectives.’
‘Jedsarit Sahussarungsi – Consistently high-quality work; very responsive; delivered superb results in very difficult circumstances.’
‘Sakchai Limsiripothong and Weerawong Chittmittrapap’s attention to detail is second to none.’
DLA Piper
The dispute resolution practice at DLA Piper acts for domestic and multinational clients in multi-jurisdictional disputes, ranging from insurance claims to construction disputes, as well as administrative cases. Experienced litigator Don Rojanapenkul is also well versed in other forms of dispute resolution, including arbitrations and mediations. Peter Shelford is noted for his expertise in insurance, reinsurance and construction litigation matters, and the newly promoted partner Komson Suntheeraporn has ‘vast experience in commercial disputes’. Counsel Robert Tang and senior associate Ekasit Suttawat who is recommended for corporate fraud and construction disputes are also names to note.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Peter Shelford; Komson Suntheeraporn; Robert Tang; Ekasit Suttawat
Testimonials
‘Don Rojanapenkul (partner) and Robert Tang (of counsel) are outstanding. Their business orientation and practical strategy are exceptional.’
‘We worked with Peter Shelford and Komson Suntheeraporn. Peter has capability and experience in international arbitration. Komson is a Thai lawyer with vast experience in Thai dispute resolution and also some international arbitration. Their combination have put our case in strong position against our counterpart.’
Key clients
Nacap Asia Pacific (Thailand) Co., Ltd. / Koop Holding B.V.
Group Lease Public Company Limited
Harsco Metals (Thailand) Limited
APICO LLP
AIG
Allied World Assurance Co., Ltd
Chubb
Blue Lotus Hua-Hin (Thailand) Co., Ltd; Blue Lotus Construction Co., Ltd.
Dhipaya Insurance
Work highlights
- Representing Group Lease PCL in relation to a series of civil claims concerning multiple investment agreements, and acted as lead counsel on all related domestic civil and criminal proceedings.
- Acting as co-counsel for Korean Re on a complex quota share reinsurance treaty dispute with Thai Reinsurance PCL.
- Representing a construction group in a claim by a subcontractor for an alleged breach of a subcontractor agreement.
Herbert Smith Freehills (Thailand) Limited
The experienced practice group at Herbert Smith Freehills (Thailand) Limited acts for clients in all dispute resolution matters across a range of industries, including the telecoms, banking, construction and infrastructure. Praised for guiding clients ‘through understanding Thai law, court procedures and processes’, the team is led by managing partner Chinnawat Thongpakdee, who represents a mix of local, regional and international clients in commercial disputes. ‘Excellent practitioner’ Warathorn Wongsawangsiri advises clients on contentious issues which often incorporate an international element.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Warathorn Wongsawangsiri; Chotika Voravongsakul; Rachata Champathong
Testimonials
‘The team is very committed to clients services, knowledgeable and extremely professional.’
‘Warathorn Wongsawangsiri is an excellent practitioner. He has great knowledge of the Thai Court system and procedure and is always available and prompt in responding to clients.’
‘HSF Thailand helped us navigate through understanding Thai law and Thai court procedures and processes in Bangkok. They were very practical and have excellent communication skills in delivering detailed and complicated information about Thai law and procedure simply in English. This often involved preparing and translating pleadings and submissions drafted in Thai, into English and back again. They did this very well which impressed us. They are proactive in foreseeing and pre-empting emerging issues, briefing us on upcoming procedural dates and hearings, and they are very responsive to emails – ensuring they are dealt with/responded to quickly. They put us at ease in relation to proceedings in a foreign jurisdiction and in a different language. ’
‘With deep and thorough understanding of Thailand’s court procedure, it gave clients confidence in the process. Their logic to the cases is always strong and convincing. They manage to conduct a hearing online between two countries with two different languages which is not an ordinary practice for Thai court, for instance.’
‘We totally trusted Khun ChinnawatThongpakdee in our dispute resolution. His experience, logic and ethic makes us feel comfortable to work with. He communicates with non-lawyer clients with the right message and never bothers to explain the idea behind each action he leads. His case management enables us to live in peace with the ongoing case.’
‘They have good teamwork skills; therefore, their performances are smooth, reliable and meet clients’ requirements. Compare to other firms, the HSF team tries understand their clients’ concerns with sympathy.’
‘Associate Chotika Voravongsakul has both of legal mind and a service mind and intentionally and honestly cares for her clients.’
‘Rachata Champathong has good communication skills to explain difficult matters to become understandable to clients.’
Key clients
ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BV
Country Group Development PCL
Total Access Communication Public Company Limited & Air Total International SA
China Railway Construction (Southeast Asia) Co., Ltd.
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Jointly led by Stephen John Bennett and Apichart Phankeasorn, the dispute resolution team at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP acts for financial institutions, private companies and governments in a range of disputes. Phankeasorn’s practice focuses on business reorganisations, administrative cases, commercial and employment disputes, as well as white-collar criminal lawsuits at all levels of the Thai courts.
Practice head(s):
Stephen John Bennett; Apichart Phankeasorn; Maythawee Sarathai
Key clients
Ngern Tid Lor Company Limited
Digital Phone Co., Ltd.
Ford Services (Thailand) Company Limited
Akara Resources Public Company Limited
J.P. Morgan Chase, Bangkok Office
Morgan Stanley Asia Limited
Nation Multimedia Group Public Company Limited
LSF Asset Management (Thailand) Company Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Ngern Tid Lor Company Limited, the defendant, in a civil litigation.
- Representing Ford Services (Thailand) Company Limited in a class action lawsuit in the consumer protection case.
- Representing Akara Resources Public Company Limited in a class action lawsuit and various cases.
Kudun & Partners
Praised as being ‘equally versatile in international arbitration and court litigation’, Kudun & Partners handles a wide range of commercial disputes. Somboon Sangrungjang co-leads the practice and acts for domestic and international clients in commercial and business litigation matters. Pariyapol Kamolsilp, who ‘goes the extra mile’ for his clients, has particular expertise in insolvency and bankruptcy, as well as rehabilitation cases.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Pariyapol Kamolsilp – extremely client oriented and flexible, yet meticulous and knowledgeable in the law and always provides sound legal advice. Always puts client’s interest first and goes the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction.’
‘Kudun and Partners always come with timely-manner, high-level, with easy-to-digest advice regardless of urgency of such matters. The team will normally assign an attorney in charge which will be closely in contact with the client in order so that they catch all the facts and backgrounds of the matters for better and accurate legal analysis. ’
‘Equally versatile in international arbitration and court litigation, Kudun and Partners offers clients a one stop shop when it comes to dispute resolution.’
Key clients
Advanced Info Service PLC. (AIS) And all its subsidiaries
PTT Public Company Limited
Volvo Group
Flash Express
IRPC Public Company Limited
LG Electronics
Big Camera
Traveloka
87 Savings and Credit Cooperatives of Thailand
Jetion Solar/Jetion Solar China
Uniqlo (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
S Hotel and Resorts Public Company Limited
B. Grimm Power Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (“AIS”) in an unprecedented injunction request, claiming that the clients may potentially violate the copyright of Football Association Premier League Ltd.
- Represented Jetion Solar (Thailand) Ltd. in an EPC dispute by successfully claiming the outstanding fees for the solar power plants construction fee of THB 788.7m from a local contractor of utility projects for electricity and telecommunications and its authorised directors as pledgor.
- Defended Big Camera PCL. (BIG) against a civil claim of THB 4.6m by a Japanese camera manufacturer for the outstanding of the purchase of camera and equipment.
LS Horizon Limited
Led by Lersak Kancvalskul, Wanchai Yiamsamatha and Thanaluck Sunananta, the litigation practice at LS Horizon Limited acts for public and private companies in a range of disputes. Yiamsamatha has experience in representing clients against the state in the administrative courts and the Constitutional Court, while Kancvalskul focuses on commercial and banking litigation. Prechaya Ebrahim acts as a consultant at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Lersak Kancvalskul; Wanchai Yiamsamatha; Thanaluck Sunananta
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘LS Horizon’s legal team is very helpful with a storng service mind. Apart from full analysis, good collaboration, the discussion has awlays been made respectively to enable us to finalize appropriate action.’
‘Mr. Wanchai has experience and background directly in administrative law and administrative court procedure. His advice is valuable.’
Key clients
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited
The Stock Exchange of Thailand
Siam Makro Public Company Limited
Samart Corporation Public Co., Ltd.
JT International
Central Pattana Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Central Pattana Public Company Limited and one of its employees as plaintiffs against Trade Competition Commission orders in the Central Administrative Court.
- Represented CIMB in disputes and court cases against KCF Processing & Marketing for recovering its facilities and enforcement of securities including business security.
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited's recent caseloads include a mix of commercial litigation, tax and customs disputes, as well as administrative proceedings. Managing partner and litigator Surasak Vajasit has years of experience in the Thai market, and Sui Lin Teoh handles insurance and construction disputes. Kittikun Soontarerat and Chotiwit Ngamsuwan are further names to note.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm has the human touch – it understands the concerns of the client and responds to the vulnerabilities with sensitivities. The firm makes you feel that the issues of its clients are its issues.’
‘The team is a cohesive unit and it stems from management which is inspiring and caring.’
‘Surasak Vajasit is the inspiration to the team, and his diligence and personal involvement make his team want to do more to support the cause.’
‘Chotiwit Ngamsuwan is brilliant and tough – he is always well prepared in court and his examination of witnesses is spot-on.’
Key clients
Philip Morris (Thailand) Limited (“PMTL”)
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Gheco-One Co., Ltd
Glow SPP11 Company Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Gheco-One Co., Ltd as the plaintiff to claim against the Revenue Department as the defendant for the revocation of the Defendant’s order and refund of the corporate income tax with different accounting years.
- Representing the directors of a subsidiary of a cable manufacturer as defendants in a criminal case relating to alleged recording of false minutes of a shareholders’ meeting in a joint venture company in Thailand and alleged causing a government registrar to record false statement.
- Representing a subsidiary of a cable manufacturer as plaintiff in a civil case relating to a recovery of loan from its joint venture partner in Thailand.
Siam Premier International Law Office Limited
Siam Premier International Law Office Limited's client roster features both domestic and foreign clients. ‘Experienced litigator’ Techatat Udomsiri focuses on disputes involving employment, criminal charges, intellectual property and administrative proceedings. Commercial litigator Kong Suriyamontol counts commercial banks, construction and engineering contractors, mining companies, and property developers as his key clients, while Bancha Wudhiprecha handles antitrust investigations, as well as contractual disputes with aircraft parts manufacturers. The highly experienced litigator Sumit Masrungson also has notable expertise in alternative dispute resolution.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Siam Premier International is a very progressive, domestic Thai law firm. It has strong domestic capabilities across many different sectors and have succeeded in blending in highly capable foreign lawyers and their international experience. This is a very powerful combination which is not common in domestic Thai law firms.’
‘Techatat Udomsiri – partner of Siam Premier and an extremely experienced litigator. Techatat has immense experience with Thai court proceedings and international arbitration. Highly respected by his clients and peers.’
Key clients
Innotech Asset Management Ltd.
Deimos Space S.L.U.
Siemens Limited Thailand
Vanakiat Phatthana Co., Ltd.
Piriya Property Development Co., Ltd.
Sino-Pacific Trading (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Department of Foreign Trade
Jye Land Co., Ltd.
One Up Co., Ltd.
PTT Exploration and Production PCL (for Carigali-PTTEPI Operating Sdn Bhd)
PTTEP Siam LTD.
Charn Issara Residence Co., Ltd.
Ubon Bio EthanolPublic Company Limited
Tilleke & Gibbins
With ‘deep connections in Thailand’, the dispute resolution and litigation team at Tilleke & Gibbins is well-placed to advise on disputes in the country and across the region, as it also frequently collaborates with the firm’s Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam offices. The practice acts for clients across the construction and infrastructure, aviation and financial services sectors. Co-managing partner Tiziana Sucharitkul handles commercial disputes, while deputy director of the dispute resolution group John Frangos also leads the aviation, compliance and investigations practices. Chief litigator Thawat Damsa-ard and Michael Ramirez are praised as ‘strong advocates’.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An excellent firm with deep connections in Thailand and the region, and able to deliver commercial solutions that reflect the realities on the ground.’
‘Well-positioned to deal with domestic litigation in Thailand, and a well reputed firm that delivers high quality advice and support.’
‘Thawat Damsa-ard and Michael Ramirez are both highly responsive, articulate, and strong advocates. They are a first port of call for any work in region and lead a fantastic team.’
Key clients
AIG
Airbus
American Express
Disney
Essilor International
Euler Hermes
General Motors
Goodyear
Nokia Corporation
Saab
Work highlights
- Represented Lonsin Capital in a THB 688m cross-border dispute over the legality of dividend payments paid to Lonsin Capital and other bondholders from a Thai publicly listed real estate developer.
- Represented Stryker Corporation in a complex contractual dispute valued at THB 46.65m pertaining to the termination of an agreement with a Thai distributor.
Chandler MHM Limited
Chandler MHM Limited is experienced in representing local and international clients in the Thai courts and the specialised courts on a broad range of disputes, including employment, insurance, as well as administrative contract cases. Following the retirement of Chatchai Inthasuwan in December 2020, the practice is now led by Waree Shinsirikul, who joined the firm in January 2021 from Professional Advisory & Law Ltd and specialises in litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Newly promoted partner Nathee Silacharoen is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Kennedys
Noted for its expertise in commercial litigation and international arbitration, Kennedys represents local, regional and international clients, including corporations and small and medium-sized companies, reinsurers and local authorities, across a range of industry sectors. Suraphon Rittipongchusit, who has ‘a wealth of knowledge and experience’ in handling hospitality construction and shareholder disputes, jointly leads the practice alongside ‘strategic’ litigator Ian Johnston who is recommended for insurance disputes.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The Kennedys Thailand team has a strong combination of Thai and international lawyers that are smart, strategic and pragmatic. They are communicative, accessible and in general very commercial to work with.’
‘Ian Johnston is a clever English litigator, who is strategic, technically strong and very responsive to client needs and demands.’
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
Natipatana Law Office
Dispute resolution and litigation boutique firm Natipatana Law Office acts for clients throughout the ASEAN region on a wide range of disputes and is regularly instructed on cross-border litigation. Founding partner Nuttawut Chinawong has considerable experience in corporate, administrative and labour disputes, while Nattaphol Chinawong represents international clients in cases, ranging from commercial claims to human rights, political and international law matters. Craig Arndt acts for US clients including aerospace corporations.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘I found Natthapol Chinnawong to be an outstanding individual demonstrating a very high level of professionalism at all times. He would always maintain his composure both in written communication and in-person.’
‘Natipatana is well versed in international legal work together with deep knowledge of the Thai legal system.’
‘Natthaphol Chinawong is well versed in both Thai and international law.’
‘They are very professional with experiences and excellent knowledge and strategy.’
Key clients
Facebook Thailand
White and Case
The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo
Allison Transmission Inc.
Weatherford Thailand
Ivanhoe Group
Kuwait Airways
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Water Park
KONE plc
Raffles Assets Thailand
Kasikorn Bank plc
UOB Bank
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Eastern Water Resources Development and Management plc
Siriraj Foundation
Sharp Thai
Work highlights
- Representing Facebook Thailand in administrative litigation against a ministry of the Thai government concerning takedown orders of various content posted by Facebook users and advises the company on general legal matters in Thailand.
- Assisted Weatherford International in respect to employment law in Thailand and won two labour cases in the Appeals Labour Court.
- Advised White and Case in computer law matters concerning Computer Crime Act, Thai Constitution and Penal Code in Thailand.
SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd
The litigation and dispute resolution practice at SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd acts for local and regional clients on bankruptcy and banking litigation, as well as administrative law, insurance, employment and tax disputes. The team is led by managing partner Chavalit Uttasart and includes Vira Kammee.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Nok Airlines Public Co., Ltd.
Hardy (Underwriting Agencies) Ltd.
Thai Kaseihin Co., Ltd
Thai Transactional Bank
Pros., Inc.
Jamco Corporation
Montri Storage Property Fund
Work highlights
- Representing Nok Airlines Public Co., Ltd. in its business rehabilitation involving a proposed reorganisation to help Nok secure its business in unusual and difficult circumstances.
- Defending TKC in litigation initiated by the Revenue Department of Thailand, relating to claims for payment of value added taxes and corporate income taxes for the years between 2012 and 2015.
- Representing HDU and eight other reinsurers in claiming outstanding premiums against a Thai insurance company.