Drawing on the expertise of its global network to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes, Baker McKenzie LLP is capable of advising on a broad spectrum of disputes, ranging from administrative law and corporate compliance to bankruptcy and construction disputes. Wynn Pakdeejit spearheads the practice, possessing a wealth of experience in undertaking lead counsel roles in a variety of complex litigation, such as commercial and anti-corruption disputes. Paralee Techajongjintana specialises in environmental and regulatory issues, while Chaiporn Supvoranid bolsters the practice with his expertise in consumer claims, insurance claims, fraud investigation and employment disputes. Piya Krootdaecha's strengths lie in criminal litigation and Pisut Attakamol is particularly experienced in handling disputes arising from the commercial and corporate sphere.
Dispute resolution in Thailand
Baker McKenzie LLP
Practice head(s):
Wynn Pakdeejit
Other key lawyers:
Paralee Techajongjintana; Chaiporn Supvoranid; Piya Krootdaecha; Pisut Attakamol; Nattanan Tangsakul
Testimonials
‘The team of Baker McKenzie is diverse in their specialties. They are able to find suitable solutions for clients.’
‘Personnel are knowledgeable, capable and possess expertise, including a very good understanding of clients’ problems.’
‘Baker McKenzie has a big team to support clients in all issues.’
‘Nattanan Tangsakul is a standout associate. He’s experienced in dealing with international clients and understands our priorities and concerns, enabling him to give practical, useful advice. He is fluent in Thai and in English which is very useful.’
Kudun & Partners
Routinely advising a range of clients from corporate debtors to financial institutions, Kudun & Partners‘s dispute resolution team holds extensive experience across business reorganisation, debt restructuring and insolvency, bankruptcy proceedings, and protection of creditor and debtor rights. The practice is led by Somboon Sangrungjang, whose expertise includes negotiation, commercial and business litigation, as well as employment disputes. Niruch Winiyakul leverages his experience in administrative law, white-collar crime and insolvency issues, among others, to act for a range of local and international clients. Kongwat Akaramanee‘s capabilities include compensation claims, EPC contract disputes and tax disputes. Since publication, former joint practice head Pariyapol Kamolsilp departed in May 2024.
Practice head(s):
Somboon Sangrungjang
Other key lawyers:
Niruch Winiyakul; Kongwat Akaramanee
Testimonials
‘KAP is a leading full-service law firm, with a team of highly responsive and client-centric lawyers. The team can think from our perspective all the time, can foresee issues and propose strategic solutions before they even come up.’
‘The team is capable of analysing and providing a full outlook of our case before proposing a few suggestions on how to move the case forward. They are also flexible on rates and will always try to think from the client’s end.’
‘Somboon Sangrungjang is always courteous, well prepared, completely involved in even the most difficult topics and legal challenges, has a high level of combat and operational preparedness with a solid knowledge of process tactics. In the legal industry, he is very well known for effectively handling administrative disputes involving government bodies.’
‘Kudun and Partners’s dispute team has the ability to truly understand our needs. It has been evident throughout our interactions that the team took the time to grasp the intricacies of our situation, which has resulted in tailored and effective legal strategies.’
‘The solutions offered is extremely smart and well-considered. It’s clear that Kongwat Akaramanee and their team engages in reasonable thought and careful analysis before presenting options.’
‘What truly sets KAP apart is the unwavering commitment to go above and beyond to support us. The way the team, in particular, Kongwat Akaramanee, demonstrating a thorough grasp of our unique circumstances and tailor-made legal strategies accordingly showcased a level of personalised attention that is often hard to come by in the legal industry.’
‘I was impressed with the team’s promptness in communication, the regular updates on the progress of our case, and the proactive steps taken to address any questions or concerns we have along the way.’
Key clients
Zipmex Thailand
Jetion Solar (Thailand) Company Limited
Jiangxi Water and Hydropower Construction (Thailand) Co., Ltd
TMDC Construction Co., Ltd.
LG Electronics
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (“AIS”)
Major Development Public Company Limited
Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited
RHB Securities Public Company Limited
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited
Thaicom Public Company Limited
IRPC Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Zipmex Thailand, a regional digital asset operator toward a moratorium process, on a dispute that has taken place in multiple jurisdictions.
- Acted as the defendant for Jetion Solar (Thailand) to provide and file the statement of defense, of which the Plaintiff filed against Jetion Solar (Thailand), defendant no.1, and Jetion Solar China, defendant no.2, for a breach of contract.
- Representing a prominent petroleum company in filing a motion to enforce a massive foreign arbitral award.
Tilleke & Gibbins
Utilising its office network across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, Tilleke & Gibbins’s broad disputes offering encompasses civil and commercial litigation, as well as alternative dispute resolution. The firm is routinely entrusted by clients with a host of issues from public law and aviation disputes to construction and energy disputes. Joint practice head John Frangos’s strengths lie in contentious aircraft repossessions, fraud and employment matters, to name a few, while fellow practice head Chusert Supasitthumrong is active across all levels of Thai courts, as well as pre-eminent experience in out-of-court disputes. Thawat Damsa-ard focuses on disputes arising from the commercial arena. Noppramart Thammateeradaycho is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
John Frangos; Chusert Supasitthumrong
Other key lawyers:
Thawat Damsa-ard; Noppramart Thammateeradaycho; Piyawat Vitooraporn
Testimonials
‘Piyawat Vitooraporn is an excellent associate, very down to earth and humble. It’s been a pleasure to work with him over the years now.’
‘The team demonstrates professionalism, provides expert advice both from a legal and business perspective and responds promptly.’
‘They have good insight into the Thai legal framework and able to explain to non-Thai lawyers on the local requirements in plain simple terms and provide advice that’s relevant and practical.’
‘Good understanding of local law, and able to communicate such to lawyers outside of Thai jurisdiction.’
‘The team is very professional, very prompt in their responses, very thorough and detailed in their analysis and always provide their advice with a commercial view to ensure the best for us.’
‘John Frangos is a very competent and a solution orientated litigator.’
‘They are meticulous in their research and recommendations. Their pre-trial preparation is very good as they help anticipate many possible scenarios the trial may go and prepare me. They are available to answer my queries even though they are busy on other cases.’
‘They have on several occasions spent mealtimes with me at their own expense and beyond their scope, especially when their job is done and they could have left. This speaks about their personal touch.’
Key clients
AIG
Alibaba
Bureau Veritas
Goodyear
Lonsin Capital
Saab
Stryker Corporation
Work highlights
- Represented Lonsin Capital in a THB 688m cross-border financial dispute in regard to dividend payments.
- Representing a U.S.-based importer and distributor of personal protective equipment in bringing a lawsuit against a Thai company for its failure to deliver a shipment of nitrile gloves valued at $11.1m.
- Represented the Thai branch of Bureau Veritas in a case before the IP&IT Court (which featured the first-ever virtual hearing at the IP&IT Court) involving surveyor liability claims brought against our client in relation to a shipment of rice that was found to be spoiled upon arrival at the destination and rejected by the buyer.
Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited
With notable expertise in the transport, energy and real estate sectors, Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited is experienced in handling Thai court proceedings, court judgments and arbitral awards. Key clients on its roster include leading energy corporations and government agencies. The practice, which is praised for its ‘wealth of experience and strong track record’, is jointly helmed by Steven Burkill, Kay Kian Tan, Ratthakarn Boonnua and Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha. Burkill is vastly experienced in oil and gas, power and large-scale projects, while Tan focuses on disputes arising from the power and energy, international trade, transport and insurance sectors. Boonnua is routinely entrusted by clients to assist with multi-jurisdictional cases and Sumpiputtanadacha specialises in international business law, litigation and arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Steven Burkill; Kay Kian Tan; Ratthakarn Boonnua; Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha
Testimonials
‘Good, pragmatic and straight forward advice.’
‘WFW Thailand provide an outstanding dispute resolution service both in international arbitration in the region and globally but also, for clients having disputes in Thailand.’
‘Steven Burkill and Kay Kian Tan are excellent and provide deep understanding of Thai and SE Asian disputes and dispute resolution. Both have spent significant periods in Thailand and are very highly regarded by Thai and international clients doing business in the region.’
‘Ratthakarn Boonnua has a wide international arbitration practice and a vibrant Thai Court commercial practice acting as advocate in the Thai courts and arbitration on some of the largest commercial disputes in the country.’
‘A wealth of experience and strong track record.’
‘Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha leads a strong team of dispute resolution lawyers who are very reliable, and have a good commercial sense and, thus, can work with us smoothly.’
‘This firm has excellent service in the dispute resolution field as it is their core competence. The firm does provide helpful services both in litigation advice and process and also contracts review.’
‘Ratthakarn Boonnua is a leading partner in this field. Not only does he provide practical advice but also communicates the advice very well.’
Key clients
AGC Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing AGC Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading Thai automotive manufacturer against a Thai supplier of solar roof equipment in a civil claim for breach of contract.
Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners
Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners’s multifaceted disputes practice includes a variety of civil and criminal cases in relation to anti-corruption, fraud and real estate, among others. In addition, the team routinely handles media and public relations issues. Practice head Phisit Dejchaiyasak possesses vast experience in domestic and cross-border disputes, while Sakchai Limsiripothong is well-versed in managing commercial, criminal, bankruptcy and administrative matters before the courts. Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana represents major corporations in a multitude of litigation and arbitration cases.
Practice head(s):
Phisit Dejchaiyasak
Other key lawyers:
Sakchai Limsiripothong; Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana
Chandler MHM Limited
Active across a number of specialised courts including the bankruptcy and labour courts, Chandler MHM Limited’s practice incorporates a variety of expertise, ranging from IP and IT disputes to commercial and insurance cases. The team counts both local and multinational companies in its key roster of clients. Waree Shinsirikul spearheads the practice, specialising in a multitude of litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Key contact Nathee Silacharoen’s capabilities encompass arbitration, regulatory matters and labour and employment, among others.
Practice head(s):
Waree Shinsirikul
Other key lawyers:
Nathee Silacharoen
Testimonials
‘Good communication, updating any result or requirement during court process.’
‘Nathee Silacharoen is an experienced lawyer.’
‘All of the team are not only competent in their field of expertise, but also, understand the stake and how to deal with a particular situation, whether in or out of the court.’
‘Very responsive firm and the team had good relational skills with clients.’
DLA Piper
Maintaining a disputes practice that covers sectors such as energy, insurance and technology, DLA Piper’s extensive expertise includes commercial, construction and criminal disputes. Key areas of work range from advising clients on contractual disputes to acting for insurers and reinsurers in insurance claims and disputes. Experienced practice head Don Rojanapenkul is actively involved in various court proceedings, arbitration and mediations. Promoted to partner in May 2022, Robert Tang is routinely entrusted by clients to manage insurance cases, while Komson Suntheeraporn assists clients with contentious employment and advisory employment issues. Akyn Suttawatanadech is well-versed in real estate and construction-related disputes and Santipap Dumprapai focuses on a range of issues, from contentious restructuring to investigation and CCI practices.
Practice head(s):
Don Rojanapenkul
Other key lawyers:
Robert Tang; Komson Suntheeraporn; Akyn Suttawatanadech; Santipap Dumprapai
Testimonials
‘DLA Piper’s dispute resolution team in Bangkok is the most reliable so far. They are very professional, business orient, and practical.’
‘Robert Tang and Santipap Dumprapai are very diligent, dedicated and agile in our cases.’
‘All team members are highly competent and attentive to the needs of clients.’
‘The team is organised with all individuals who speak English, making it suitable for international clients who require local legal assistance. I appreciated the preparation of witnesses before the hearings.’
Key clients
Group Lease PCL
Korean Reinsurance Company
The Met Condominium Juristic Person
The Shell Company of Thailand Limited
Syngenta Crop Protection Ltd.
RJR Engineering Limited and Ninive Casseforme S.R.L.
Work highlights
- Acting as defense counsel for a client and its Thai subsidiary in a ‘first of a kind’ Class Action in the English High Courts.
- Acting as defence counsel for the IT provider for the air transport industry and various C-suite directors, in relation to a civil claim filed by Samart PCL for an alleged breach of an exclusivity provision in a Memorandum of Understanding.
- Representing Shell in an LCIA arbitration against Schenker, a global logistics company which acts as Shell’s freight forwarding agent. The dispute concerns breach of contract and negligence claims arising out of tax and customs issues.
Herbert Smith Freehills (Thailand) Limited
With core expertise in the telecoms, technology, banking, energy and construction sectors, Herbert Smith Freehills (Thailand) Limited has extensive experience of local disputes that involve parallel proceedings in other jurisdictions. Co-practice head Chinnawat Thongpakdee fields a strong litigation and arbitration practice that includes corporate governance, white-collar crime and bankruptcy cases. Fellow co-lead Warathorn Wongsawangsiri is particularly active in a diverse array of sectors, from consumer products and hospitality to TMT. Associate Sornnarin Kongkasem‘s realm of expertise encompasses labour law, class action and product liability, while Rachata Champathong is active in the Thai courts for a variety of commercial disputes and criminal litigation. Since publication, the team welcomed Pariyapol Kamolsilp who joined from Kudun & Partners in May 2o24.
Practice head(s):
Chinnawat Thongpakdee; Warathorn Wongsawangsiri
Other key lawyers:
Sornnarin Kongkasem; Rachata Champathong; Pariyapol Kamolsilp
Testimonials
‘The team comprises young and energetic lawyers who understand client’s goals, and work towards that goal with “can-do attitude”. The team frequently and timely communicates with the working group and always make time to be available to meet clients’ needs.’
‘The team’s collaborative style makes them so unique.’
‘Warathorn Wongsawangsiri is always “hands’ on” with detail-oriented mindset. He strategically plans things ahead with all possible scenarios planned out to close all gaps and risks.’
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited
Utilising its large regional network, R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited possesses key strengths in handling administrative proceedings, commercial and criminal litigation as well as customs and tax disputes. Surasak Vajasit steers the practice with expertise in customs litigation, and a strong practice across public and private sectors. Pakpoom Suntornvipat advises clients on matters stemming from customs disputes, as well as general commercial and criminal litigation, while Krida Phoonwathu fields a diverse practice that includes business rehabilitation cases, shareholder disputes alongside a broader range of commercial litigation and arbitration issues. Vanina Sucharitkul joined the team in March 2023.
Practice head(s):
Surasak Vajasit
Other key lawyers:
Pakpoom Suntornvipat; Krida Phoonwathu; Vanina Sucharitkul
Key clients
Charoen Pokphand
Philip Morris (Thailand) Limited
True Corporation Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Charoen Pokphand Group (“CP”) in a case against the Foundation for Consumers that is seeking to overturn the Trade Competition Commission’s (“TCC”) approval of its CP’s acquisition of Tesco Lotus.
- Acting as lead external counsel for True Corporation in administrative proceedings arising out of its $8.6bn merger with Total Access Communication, which faces challenges brought against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.
Siam Premier International Law Office Limited
Siam Premier International Law Office Limited maintains a diverse practice, managing issues including criminal trials, aviation disputes and commercial litigation cases. The practice is jointly led by Kong Suriyamontol, Techatat Udomsiri and Sumit Masrungson. Suriyamontol possesses a wealth of experience in the domain of commercial law, with a client roster that includes commercial banks, hotel management companies and construction and engineering contractors, among others. Udomsiri’s varied expertise includes commercial disputes, criminal charges and administrative proceedings, while Masrungson is well-versed in addressing commercial and administrative disputes for public and private sector clients. Counsel Somchai Yungkarn and senior consultant Suraphon Rittipongchusit are other names to note in the practice.
Practice head(s):
Kong Suriyamontol; Techatat Udomsiri; Sumit Masrungson
Other key lawyers:
Somchai Yungkarn; Suraphon Rittipongchusit
Formichella & Sritawat
Formichella & Sritawat has demonstrable experience in the bankruptcy courts, alongside the administrative, family and tax tribunals. Key undertakings for the team include shareholder disputes, IP infringements and banking litigation, among others. Leading the practice is M.L. Numlapyos Sritawat, who has experience representing clients up to the Supreme Court of Thailand. Associate Patchamon Purikasem, who handles cases concerning corporate, energy, employment, immigration and IP, is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
M.L. Numlapyos Sritawat
Other key lawyers:
Patchamon Purikasem; Phalavat Kosalanon
Testimonials
‘Outstanding and professional service.’
‘M.L. Numlapyos Sritawat is very professional and it was a pleasure working with him.’
‘Numlapyos Sritawat has diverse litigation experience in the Thai courts.’
‘Very good, diverse team with different knowledge bases that compliment each other.’
‘All excellent and complimentary to each other.’
IAS Advisory’s services incorporate a variety of litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration cases. The ‘energetic and very well-rounded’ team is regularly entrusted by clients to handle white-collar crime matters, business-related issues and family disputes. Leading the practice is Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, who routinely represents clients in both the civil and criminal courts, recently being involved in managing bankruptcy, labour and taxation disputes, among others.
Practice head(s):
Anuwat Ngamprasertkul
Other key lawyers:
Chumphon Macharoen
Testimonials
‘IAS Advisory is an energetic and very well-rounded team. They are very supportive and proactive in being a sincere partner of their clients. One of their strengths is communication.’
‘Anuwat Ngamprasertkul is willing to help and advise on all aspects of issues. He pulls extra resources pretty fast and always takes initiative to leverage the positive outcome above and beyond expectation in a timely manner.’
‘IAS Advisory is unique in its ability to provide efficient and tailored solutions without resorting to lengthy court processes. Its strengths lie in offering parties more controls over outcomes, confidentiality, and the flexibility to choose from various methods.’
‘I have worked with Anuwat Ngamprasertkul as he can foster open communication, encourage collaborative problem solving, and adapting strategies to suit my case’s dynamics.’
‘Quality personnel who are ready to work with clear instructions. Neat work, punctual, good personality, polite and reliable are all attributes of the team.’
‘A proactive team.’
‘I am impressed with Anuwat Ngamprasertkul’s local knowledge and expertise. He also has a great vision and strategy in helping customers resolving their issue.’
‘IAS Advisory’s communication skills are impeccable. They always keeps us informed of what’s going on.’
Work highlights
- Advising and assisting broker for overseas reinsurance companies in civil case in which an insurance company has made a claim for compensation following an alleged breach of terms by the policyholder (a Thai governmental authority).
- Advised a client whose THB 250m investment were not being used in accordance with the related agreements and that assets were being siphoned. Established a crisis management action plan for revocation of transactions related to the siphoned assets and initiated a criminal action against the businessperson.
- Advising and assisting high profile celebrity couple in legal disagreement with prominent Thailand-based land developer who was contracted to remodel and enlarge their existing property. Client is seeking damages for construction delays and delayed entry to new home.
LS Horizon Limited
Praised as an ‘an excellent team for administrative disputes’, LS Horizon Limited handles litigation arising out of the banking and finance, real estate, technology and consumer goods sectors. Lersak Kancvalskul, who focuses on banking and commercial litigation, as well as insolvency and bankruptcy mandates, jointly leads the team alongside Wanchai Yiamsamatha, who ‘is a well-rounded and reliable expert in administrative and constitutional cases’.
Practice head(s):
Lersak Kancvalskul; Wanchai Yiamsamatha
Testimonials
‘LSH dispute resolution team possesses in-depth knowledge of Thai laws and precedent cases, especially those pertaining to administrative and constitutional regulations. The advice it delivered is very comprehensive and the LSH team not only takes the legal perspective into account but also the business and commercial view.’
‘Wanchai Yiamsamatha is highly recommended. He is a well-rounded and reliable expert in administrative and constitutional cases. His effective strategy and advice were always developed with an attention-to-detail process, compatible with business needs, and were timely delivered.’
‘LS Horizon Limited has an excellent team for administrative disputes. The team obtained profound knowledge of administrative law and procedural law that is one of a kind. Their enthusiasm in defending the cases is also outstanding and impressive.’
Key clients
Central Pattana Public Company Limited
The Stock Exchange of Thailand
JT International (Thailand) Company Limited
Siam Makro Public Company Limited
Natipatana Law Office
Natipatana Law Office counts multinational companies in its client roster, such as Facebook and Toyota Leasing. Practice head Nattaphol Chinawong acts as lead counsel in high-value international commercial claims, administrative and political cases, human rights, as well as international disputes. Nuttawut Chinawong specialises in commercial, corporate, administrative and labour disputes, while Craig Arndt has particular expertise in international commercial transactions and arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Nattaphol Chinawong
Other key lawyers:
Nuttawut Chinawong; Craig Arndt
Testimonials
‘We respect and have total trust in the team.’
‘Nattaphol Chinawong goes over and above the call of duty when first presented with a legal situation or problem that we encounter. He asks us the right questions, sees alternative views, thinks carefully about our options and then proceeds to discuss more thoroughly the case specifics.’
‘The team is experienced and knowledgeable.’
‘Each of the members of the firm establishes a very close relationship with its clients. This makes clients feel comfortable in conveying every problem and every discussion that occurs between every member of the law firm and the client can always collaborate to achieve positive problems solving.’
‘Nattaphol Chinawong is an outstanding practitioner. He is responsive, has great command of English and always gives sensible and timely advice. He is a pleasure to work with.’
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
Grab Taxi
Lineman
Toyota Leasing
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 Thailand on legal correspondences and advised the company on Thai law issues.
- Appointed by the British Ambassador, H.E. Mark Gooding as the Honorary Legal Advisor to the British Embassy to advise on all legal matters concerning the Embassy such as diplomatic immunity, extradition, criminal law, labour law, civil and commercial law.
- Acted for the family of Dr. Kratai who is an ophthalmologist (Dr. Waraluck Supawatjariyakul) who was ran over and killed on a zebra crossing in Bangkok three months ago resulted in a guilty verdict by the court against him.
SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd
Chavalit Uttasart steers the practice at SCL Nishimura & Asahi Ltd, which is active across a broad spectrum of cases, from administrative law disputes and employment litigation to IP and insurance disputes. Vira Kammee is regularly engaged by clients to advise on advocacy matters for domestic and foreign clients arising from breaches of fiduciary duty and corporate governance by the director, violations of foreign business laws and construction disputes. Punjaporn Kosolkitiwong is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Chavalit Uttasart
Other key lawyers:
Vira Kammee; Punjaporn Kosolkitiwong
Key clients
BSL Leasing Co., Ltd.
Aira Factoring PCL
Nok Airlines PCL
Siam Makro PCL
Work highlights
- Advised BSL Leasing in connection with pursuit of an outstanding payment arising from the hire, purchase, and lease of products valued in excess of THB 380 million (approx. USD 11.5 million).
- Advised Aira Factoring to file a petition for permission to join the three cases as a third party, pursuant to a specific provision of the Civil and Commercial Code pursuant to which Aira Factoring could initiate a claim for outstanding debts and damages against both the primary contractor and the subcontractor, without needing to initiate new cases against both parties.
- Representing Aira Factoring in connection with protection of its rights to receive the payment and opposing the action to collect these receivables as part of the unnamed partnership’s assets; we submitted a petition to revoke the interim injunction and filed an application for debt repayment with the execution officer.