Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd. > Bangkok, Thailand > Firm Profile

Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd. > Firm Profile

The firm: Blumenthal Richter & Sumet assists clients to make confident business decisions. We are commercial and responsive, efficient and pragmatic. In a fast-changing world, we create simplicity for clients in the face of increasing complexity for them to make the right decisions, achieve their strategic priorities and identify new opportunities. We take the time to understand each of our client’s unique needs, and provide a solutions-driven commercial view with real in-depth knowledge of your sectors and markets.

For over 40 years, our licensed Thai, European and US attorneys have worked at our clients’ side, understanding your business while serving as a trusted counterpart who knows the law. Assisting you as a team, we collaborate with our clients to navigate not only the legal issues but the regulatory aspects impacting your business sectors.

Our experience in the automotive, real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, transportation, technology, media, telecommunications, energy, chemicals, insurance and healthcare sectors gives us the market perspective to understand your needs and add value for our clients to succeed.

Areas of practice
Corporate and commercial/M&A: Our corporate and commercial / M&A team is at the heart of our practice, advising international clients and domestic corporations on their investments in and outside of Thailand. We combine rapid decision-making with deep sector knowledge and experience to advise clients through every stage of the business lifecycle, from company establishment and business expansion to exit strategies.

Foreign direct investment (FDI): Our FDI team has in-depth experience advising foreign companies on inbound investment matters and expanding operations in Thailand. Manufacturers, service providers, consumer goods companies, merchants and a wide range of other companies place their confidence in our lawyers. We frequently advise foreign investors on all aspects of entering the Thai market, from the planning phase to becoming operational. We also frequently provide turnkey services for the implementation of factory projects.

Real estate and construction: We have a strong, multidisciplinary team that takes a holistic approach to advising clients. Our attorneys are informed of the latest industry developments and provide specialist advice that is succinct and comprehensive. From hotel/resort development projects, condominium and residential developments and mixed-use property developments, to industrial acquisitions, construction loans and financing, real estate workouts and restructurings and transactions involving distressed assets, we advise on all areas of real estate and construction.

Litigation and dispute resolution: We assist our clients to resolve legal disputes efficiently, whilst minimizing disruption to their business and reducing costly escalation. Where litigation cannot be avoided, our litigation and dispute resolution lawyers handle matters in the civil, criminal, administrative and specialty courts as well as various arbitration venues. From commercial and employment disputes to bankruptcy and insolvency matters, our highly experienced litigation team develops comprehensive strategies that manage potential risk and maximize the prospect of a successful outcome.

Tax and customs: Our tax and customs practice is well reputed and advises on all aspects of domestic and cross-border taxation. We have a substantial practice in the importation and exportation of products, and our lawyers are experienced in the full range of business tax issues, from customs duty and excise tax to value added tax (VAT), corporate income tax, property and land tax, transfer pricing and Revenue Department audits among other areas.

Regulatory compliance and data privacy: BRS provides strategic commercial advice on how to set up, maintain and update controls to ensure full compliance with Thai government rules and regulations. Our corporate governance and regulatory compliance attorneys are counsel to local, European and US multinational corporations, and are regularly engaged to provide training on anti-bribery and trade competition law to employers and employees with respect to their Thai operations.

Our advice on data privacy covers the full scope of compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). From assisting our clients to understand the fundamentals of PDPA compliance, providing a gap analysis (including developing a questionnaire for PDPA compliance and a data inventory list, conducting interviews, holding workshops, implementing software-based data flow analysis and delivering a gap analysis report and recommendations) and providing key PDPA compliance documents, to conducting PDPA training for building staff awareness and mitigating non-compliance risk, we offer the full range of PDPA services.

Technology, media and telecoms (TMT): We provide legal advice to a variety of software, media, and telecommunications companies regarding their legal and business matters in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. Our experienced TMT lawyers specialize in advising end-users and suppliers of telecommunications, information technology and digital services. We are known as one of the leading firms in Thailand in this area, a reputation we have developed with decades of experience in the technology sector and the resulting complex regulatory environment.

Intellectual property: Ideas are the crux of innovation. Your brand is what makes you unique. We understand how important these are to growing your business, and can help you protect them. Our intellectual property (IP) team has wide-ranging experience defending our clients’ IP and enforcing their rights, in Thailand and internationally. We assist you to maximize the value of your IP assets and optimize strategies to defend them.

Capital markets: Our capital markets team advises international and domestic market leaders on the full spectrum of capital markets transactions in Thailand, from straightforward bilateral facilities to complex syndicated loans. Through our strong relationships with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Stock Exchange of Thailand, our lawyers work with you to navigate requirements, remain in compliance and adapt to change.

Banking and project finance: From day-to-day banking issues to major project financings, our banking and project finance team advises clients on a myriad of legal, commercial and project structuring strategies. We regularly work with financial institutions and corporate clients on complex financing structures. Where the need arises on a project, our industry-specific knowledge is at hand to offer a fully integrated legal service.

Energy and infrastructure: Our energy and infrastructure team combines in-depth industry knowledge and a deep-rooted understanding of the legal, commercial, financing and licensing factors to provide innovative advice to owners, financial institutions, developers, operators, contractors and suppliers. Major players in these sectors rely on our team’s industry experience, technical expertise and creative problem solving. We advise on all phases of project development, from planning and financing to implementation and ongoing post-completion legal support.

Labour and employment: We offer a labour and employment team that is well versed in the complexities of Thailand’s Labour Protection Act, and the practices of the Ministry of Labour and the Thai Labour Court. With regard to organized labour, our experienced team can negotiate with labour unions and advise on the Labour Relations Act.

Immigration and foreign employment: Our immigration lawyers provide fast, reliable and practical legal advice to assist clients across all industries and professions. We advise our corporate clients on visa and work permit requirements with respect to foreign personnel employment arrangements, international personnel transfers and secondments.

Hospitality and lifestyle: Our work in the hospitality industry involves hotel as well as residential and retail developments, including mixed-use projects and project management, large-scale hotel condominium projects with office, residential and retail components, luxury destination resorts and spas and high-end restaurants, F&B operations, leisure and recreational facilities. We represent hospitality entrepreneurs and businesses of all types and sizes, from investors and high-net-worth individuals to locally owned boutique hotels, leisure facilities and restaurants, to international hotel chains and resorts.

Press Releases

Senior Partner Andreas Richter Receives INTERLAW’s Interlawyer of The Year Award

1st December 2023 Andreas Richter, Senior Partner at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, has been honored with the prestigious Interlawyer of the Year Award for 2023 by INTERLAW in acknowledgment of his unwavering dedication, commitment, and camaraderie within the legal community.

BRS and Zhong Lun W&D Law Firms Forge Collaborative “China Desk”

30th November 2023 Renowned international law firms, Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (“BRS”) and Zhong Lun W&D (“ZLWD”), one of the largest law firm in the People’s Republic of China, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an informal strategic alliance and inaugurate their collaborative "China Desk."

Income Tax for Foreigners with and without Long-Term Resident Visa

14th November 2023 According to the Royal Decree (No. 743) regarding the reduction of tax rate and exemption of tax,

BRS and Zhonglun W&D Law Firm Strategic Meeting to Discuss Continued Joint-Effort to Support Chinse Clients in Thailand

1st November 2023 On September 5, 2023, prominent leaders from Blumenthal Richter & Sumet ("BRS") in Bangkok and the Beijing-headquartered Zhonglun W&D Law Firm (“Zhonglun W&D”) convened to reflect on their five-year collaboration and explore strategies to further strengthening their dynamic working relationship.

Thai Revenue Department Order Regarding Offshore Income Tax for Thai Tax Residents

2nd October 2023 On 18 September 2023, the Thai Revenue Department released the Revenue Department’s Order No. Por. 161/2566 regarding payments on the income tax under Section 41 paragraph 2 of the Thai Revenue Code (the “New RD’s Order”).

BRS Announces Promotion of Two New Partners

5th September 2023 Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Attorneys & Counsellors (“BRS”) proudly announces the internal promotion of two accomplished individuals to the position of partner: Ekkarat Ritthiplang and Weerasa Makepongtorn.

BRS and Momo Momo-o, Matsuo & Namba Strategic Meeting to discuss Continued Joint-Effort to Support Japanese Clients in Thailand

5th September 2023 Prominent law firms Blumenthal Richter & Sumet ("BRS") based in Bangkok and Momo-o, Matsuo & Namba ("Momo-o ") located in Tokyo achieved a significant milestone in their partnership as key leaders from both firms gathered for a pivotal meeting on August 25, 2023,

BRS Organizes Seminar with PDLegal on Blockchain Investigations Asset Recovery of Cryptocurrencies

8th November 2022 Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (BRS) organized a seminar with speakers from PDLegal LLC on "Introduction to Blockchain - Investigations and Asset Recovery of Cryptocurrencies". It was presented by Gerard Quek, Partner and Chloe Jansiri, Associate at the BRS office on Wednesday 21 September 2022. Also, it was streamed as a webinar. The seminar covered the following topics:

• Regulatory overview of digital payment tokens and the Financial Services and Markets Bill
• Tracing cryptocurrency and identifying fraudsters
• Legal tools and methods to recover assets in fraud litigation
• Arbitration of cryptocurrencies
• Recent developments
• Case studies

Sumet Mingmongkolmitr, Senior Partner and Head of Tax and Customs, and Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, attended the seminar. PDLegal LLC is a full-service law firm based in Singapore with recognized industry expertise delivering advocacy and advisory services to clients in the country and overseas. The firm forges strong relationships and focuses on a results-driven approach, assisting clients to achieve their goals.

China-ASEAN Expo 2022: Zhang Shuang Presents on Labor Law and Company Tax at BOI Seminar

17th October 2022 Zhang Shuang, Head of the China Desk at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, presented on the topic "Thailand Labor Law and Corporate Tax Overview" at the Thailand Investment Opportunities Seminar at China-ASEAN Expo 2022 (CAEXPO), on 17 September 2022. Shuang provided an overview of the frameworks of Chinese labor law and Thai labor law and made comparisons including the variety of approaches to labor maintenance costs and labor compliance procedures. She set out common tax issues for management in daily company operations and the BOI tax incentives for companies.

Thammasat University Law Firm Open House 2022

17th October 2022 Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (BRS) sponsored the "TU Law Firm Open House 2022" internship fair at Thammasat University, on 16 September 2022. The fair is one of the largest internship-focused events of the year. It provides students with information on applying for internships and the type of work they will be involved in. There was an interview session and a law firm booth exhibition for the various law firms attending the event to provide information on their internship programs.

Asialaw Profiles 2023: BRS Real Estate Practice Ranked in Top Tier

5th October 2022 The Asialaw Profiles 2023 rankings have been released, and Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (BRS) has received a ranking for Real Estate in the highest tier for this category in Thailand. Our Real Estate practice was ranked as "Highly Recommended".

Hear the Future, the Future is Here: Summer Legal Internship Fair 2023 at Chulalongkorn University

5th October 2022 Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (BRS) attended the "Hear the Future, the Future is Here: Summer Legal Internship Fair 2023" at Chulalongkorn University, on 14 September 2022. The university organized lectures to prepare students for applying to internships and law firms provided information about their internship programs, including BRS where our team members gave out information on our Summer Internship Program for Young Lawyers 2023.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Appointed to Advisory Board at University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce

5th October 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT), has been appointed as a key member of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Law, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Anuwat will advise on the direction and strategy for development of the faculty's curriculum.

UTCC: Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Presents on FDI, M&A and Labor Disputes

16th September 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT), was invited to present classes to Master's Degree courses at the Faculty of Law, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), from 27 August to 10 September 2022.

Legal Plus International Arbitration and Corporate Crime Summit: Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Presents on Fraud Investigations

11th July 2022 The annual Legal Plus Thailand and SE Asia: 3rd Annual International Arbitration and Corporate Crime Summit was held on Tuesday 5 July 2022, and Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT) at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, presented on the topic "Corporate Crime and Anti-Corruption in Thailand - Managing Fraud Investigations" together with Michael Ramirez, Senior Counsel at Tilleke & Gibbins, at their Bangkok office.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul and Students Visit Thailand Arbitration Center

11th July 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT), visited the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) with students and interns for education and participation in mock demonstrations of alternative dispute resolution, arbitration and conciliation.

International Tax Review 2022: BRS Nominated for Thailand Tax Disputes Firm of the Year Award

7th July 2022 The Tax and Customs practice at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet has been nominated for the Thailand Tax Disputes Firm of the Year Award in the International Tax Review Asia-Pacific Tax Awards 2022. The awards celebrate the top tax, transfer pricing as well as tax disputes teams and practitioners in the region. Also, the awards recognize achievements in tax technology, innovation, policy, compliance and reporting as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

New Sub-regulations under the Personal Data Protection Act

5th July 2022 On 20 June 2022, the Personal Data Protection Committee (“PDPC”) announced 4 new sub-regulations pursuant to the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) (“PDPA”) in the Royal Gazette. The PDPA was fully enforced on 1 June 2022 after it was postponed for 3 years to provide more time to all business operators to prepare for compliance.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul to Co-Present on Managing Fraud Investigations at Annual International Arbitration and Corporate Crime Summit

23rd June 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT) at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, will co-present on the topic "Corporate Crime and Anti-Corruption in Thailand - Managing Fraud Investigations" with Michael Ramirez, Senior Counsel at Tilleke & Gibbins, at the Legal Plus Thailand and SE Asia: 3rd Annual International Arbitration and Corporate Crime Summit on Tuesday 5 July 2022.

Thai Hotels Association: Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Presents at Webinar on Personal Data Protection Act

17th June 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT) at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, was invited to speak at a webinar on "Check Business Compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law", in collaboration with the Thai Hotels Association (THA), on Tuesday 14 June 2022. Anuwat discussed the enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act on 1 June 2022 and the limitations on hotel businesses using customer data. In particular, he discussed creating customer experiences using customer data, creating brand awareness for direct marketing and limitations on data exports to foreign countries.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul to Speak on Business Readiness for Personal Data Protection Act with Thai Hotels Association

13th June 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT) at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, will speak at a webinar on "Check Business Compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law" at 10 a.m. - 12 noon on Tuesday 14 June 2022, in collaboration with the Thai Hotels Association (THA). Anuwat will give insights into the Personal Data Protection Act, which was enforced on 1 June 2022. He will discuss the limitations that hotel businesses need to know before using customer data.

Benchmark Litigation 2022: Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Ranked as Litigation Star

1st June 2022 The rankings for Benchmark Litigation 2022 have been released, and Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms, has received recognition as a “Litigation Star” which are lawyers who are highly regarded by their peers and possess a strong case record and positive client feedback.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Speaks on PDPA Compliance Readiness for Full Enforcement on 1 June 2022

30th May 2022 On 19 May 2022, Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT), was invited to speak at a panel discussion on the topic “Check PDPA Compliance Readiness before Full Enforcement”, as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) will be fully enforced on 1 June 2022.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Invited to Webinar on Preparing for PDPA Compliance

12th May 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT), will speak at an online panel discussion in a webinar titled “Check PDPA Compliance Readiness before Full Enforcement” at 9.30 a.m. – 12 noon on 19 May 2022. The webinar will cover the following topics:

Robert Schuler Authors Real Estate Article in IR Global Publication on Exploring a Hybrid Future

4th May 2022 Exploring a Hybrid Future: Adapting Business Models to Succeed in the New Normal has been published, and Robert H. Schuler, Senior Partner and head of the Real Estate practice at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, contributed the real estate article covering Thailand. The article covers:

University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce: Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Speaks on Computer and Cyber Laws

4th May 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, was invited as a visiting lecturer to speak on "Computer and Cyber Laws" at an online seminar on 24 April 2022 as part of a Master's Degree curriculum at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

NIDA PDPA Seminar (MUM3): Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Invited to Speak on Practical Techniques for PDPA Compliance

28th March 2022 Partner Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT) at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, presented at the “Making an Ultimate Goal of Data Management (MUM3): Practical Techniques for Complying with the Data Protection Law”, a full two-day seminar on personal data protection law organized by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), on 17-18 March 2022.

THAC National Mediation Competition 2022: Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Presents Awards

8th March 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT), gave certificates and medals to the winning and runner up teams comprising undergraduate law students from several universities nationwide, who received awards in the THAC National Mediation Competition 2022 which is organized by the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC). The competition focused on the roles and responsibilities of the mediator during negotiations, lawyers and legal advisors who conduct negotiations in commercial disputes and other areas such as settlements for both parties to achieve a win-win solution.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul Participates as Panelist at IR Global IP / TMT Virtual Conference

21st February 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT), attended the IP / TMT Virtual Conference organized by IR Global, one of the largest professional services networks in the world that provides legal, accountancy and financial advice to companies and individuals. The Conference discussed a number of topics including "Why is AI Important for All Areas of Law?" where Anuwat provided his expertise in the area.

TAI Arbitrator Spotlight: Anuwat Ngamprasertkul

11th February 2022 The Thai Arbitration Institute (TAI) has produced a TAI Arbitrator Spotlight video introduction of Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner as well as Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT) at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet.

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Enlisted to Panel of Arbitrators of Thailand Arbitration Centre

3rd February 2022 Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution as well as Co-Head of Tech-Media-Telecoms (TMT) at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet, has been enlisted to the Panel of Arbitrators of the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) for three years until 2025. Panelists must have outstanding experience and recognition in their field of expertise that is advantageous as an arbitrator.