Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited > Bangkok, Thailand > Firm Profile

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited > The Legal 500 Rankings

Thailand > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 1

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited is praised as 'one of the leading practices in the region for international arbitration in energy, oil and gas, renewables, power, utilities and infrastructure project disputes’. Noted for its ‘integrated global arbitration capability’, the practice runs international arbitrations for Asian corporations in a range of arbitral institutions. Head of the group Steven Burkill is a ‘key contact’ for London and Asia-based arbitrations involving oil and gas, power and large-scale projects. Kay Kian Tan represents multinational corporations in international commercial arbitrations in the international trade, insurance and transport industries, while Alan Polivnick focuses on cross-border arbitrations in the transport, insurance and reinsurance sectors.

Thailand > Dispute resolution Tier 1

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.

Thailand > Insurance Tier 1

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited acts for Thai and international insurers, reinsurers and brokers on a broad range of insurance matters, notably in the energy, aviation and maritime sectors. Practice co-lead Alan Polivnick advises on insurance claims and represents insurers and reinsurers in litigations and arbitrations, as well as handling non-contentious and regulatory matters. Kay Kian Tan, who jointly heads up the practice alongside Polivnick, is noted for his expertise in dispute resolution and represents international insurers in Thai court claims, including the civil and administrative courts.

Thailand > Transport Tier 1

Noted for its aviation and maritime expertise, Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited acts for domestic and international clients, including automotive, freight-forwarders and logistics companies on cross-border matters, disputes, commercial contracts, regulatory and compliance issues. The Bangkok aircraft finance practice is part of the firm’s global aircraft finance network and deals with restructuring mandates and the renegotiation of leases. The practice group is led by Alan Polivnick, who has experience in handling contentious and non-contentious matters in the aviation and logistics sectors. Kay Kian Tan is another key contact and specialises in shipping disputes, as well as dry shipping contentious matters.

Thailand > Labour and employment Tier 2

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited advises clients in the energy, natural resources and transport sectors on employment matters including employment contracts, redundancy programs, compliance and defending employers and employees against claims in the Labour Court. Practice co-leader Ratthakarn Boonnua has particular expertise in representing clients in the maritime and insurance sectors in employment disputes, while practice co-leader Alan Polivnick covers both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.

Thailand > Projects and energy Tier 2

Praised for its team ‘collaboration mixed with great industry knowledge’, Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited handles the full spectrum of renewable energy matters and advises developers on wind, solar, waste and energy power projects. The practice is also well-placed to draw on the expertise of the firm’s litigation team when renewable energy disputes arise. Christopher Osborne, who advises on all stages the energy project lifecycle, including regulatory matters and financial agreements, jointly leads the practice alongside Steven Burkill, who represents clients in renewable energy disputes.

Thailand > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited advises developers and high-net-worth individuals on a range of real estate and development matters, including industrial properties and residential estates. Christopher Osborne is noted for his expertise in the hotel and leisure sectors and leads the wider team on building due diligence for energy projects and construction developments. Kay Kian Tan represents clients in hotels and hospitality, and construction disputes, while senior associate Lyle Andrews utilises his chartered surveyor expertise to advise on construction contracts.

Thailand > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited handles insolvency procedures, debt restructuring,  reorganisations and company restructurings. Christopher Osborne heads up the team and has experience in advising foreign creditors in Thai insolvency proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court, as well as acting for domestic companies on the commencement of rehabilitation debt restructuring proceedings.

Thailand > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited acts for regional and international clients, including corporations, banks, insurers and private equity firms, on inbound and outbound M&A and joint ventures. Practice leader Christopher Osborne is noted for his expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors, and also advises clients on regulatory and compliance issues. Alan Polivnick acts for foreign investors, international airlines, insurers and reinsurers on operations in Thailand. Senior associate Kasma Visitkitjakarn and associate Piyanuj (Lui) Ratprasatporn who joined from Tilleke & Gibbins in May 2021 are also noted.

Thailand > TMT Tier 3

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited counts telecoms, technology and film production companies among its key clients. The practice advises on regulatory matters and commercial agreements and is also noted for its litigation and arbitration capability in this space. Christopher Osborne jointly heads up the practice alongside Alan Polivnick, who handles commercial and regulatory matters.

Thailand > Banking and finance Tier 4

The corporate and finance group at Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited has particular expertise in energy and transport financing matters, and acts for private equity firms, international banks and multinational corporations. The team is led by Christopher Osborne, who advises on project financing mandates, with a focus in the renewable energy sector. Senior associate Nicharee Pudphetkaew is also noted.