DLA Piper > Bangkok, Thailand > Firm Profile
DLA Piper Offices

47/F UNIT 4707, EMPIRE TOWER
SOUTH SATHORN ROAD
BANGKOK 10120
Thailand
DLA Piper > The Legal 500 Rankings
Thailand > Insurance Tier 1
DLA Piper acts for insurers, reinsurers and brokers in Thailand and across Southeast Asia in insurance claims disputes, M&A transactions and regulatory matters. Thailand and co-insurance sector head Peter Shelford is well-known in the Thai insurance market and represents insurers and reinsurers, as well as major corporations, in insurance-related disputes. Legal director Yodwarat Tedkham handles contentious insurance matters, including maritime insurance disputes and reinsurance cases, while of counsel Robert Tang acts for clients across the Asia Pacific in non-marine insurance and reinsurance disputes.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has considerable knowledge on general insurance coverage matters.’
Key clients
Korean Reinsurance Company
Chubb/Chubb Samaggi Thailand
Generali Group
FWD General Insurance
Aetna Inc.
ACE Life Assurance Public Co., Ltd.
AIG
Allianz C.P. General Insurance Co., Ltd.
Allied World
AON
Crawford & Company Adjusters (UK) Limited
Deves Insurance PCL
Golden Arches Insurance DAC
IAG Limited
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.
Sumitomo Life Insurance Company
Sompo Japan Insurance (Thailand) Co.
Tokio Marine
XL Catlin Insurance
Work highlights
- Acting as co-counsel for Korean Re on a complex quota share reinsurance treaty dispute with Thai Reinsurance PCL (Thai Re).
- Representing an insurer and its reinsurers in a policy coverage dispute with Don Muang Tollway PCL.
Thailand > Real estate and construction Tier 1
DLA Piper handles the full range of real estate transactions, including project and commercial developments, REITs, property investments, as well as construction and real estate disputes. The practice is noted for its expertise in advising clients across the hotel and leisure sectors on contractual arrangements, development projects and management agreements. Dusadee Jittasaiyapan heads up the team and has experience in handling the full spectrum of real estate transactions across the retail, industrial and energy sectors. Senior associate Supranee Arjjit is a key contact in the team, and advises domestic and international clients on real estate investment and projects developments.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AEG
Jacobs Douwe Egberts TH Co., Ltd.
Merlin Entertainments PLC
Total Access Communication PCL/ Dtac
Burberry (Thailand)
Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd.
G&P Asset Holding Company Limited
Green Food Factory Co., Ltd.
Delsk Business (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Delsk Group)
Eastern Water Resources Development and Management Public Company Limited
Virgin Active Health Clubs
Work highlights
- Advised Green Food Factory on its acquisition of land and a factory.
- Assisted a leading telecoms company on the lease renewal of its office space.
- Advising G&P Asset Holding Company Limited on real estate matters in respect to the development of a mini-golf facility.
Thailand > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
DLA Piper advises financial institutions and multinational corporations on financing and debt restructuring transactions, as well as bankruptcy matters, and leverages the expertise of the wider regional restructuring and special situations team, and the firm’s global presence in this space. Practice co-leader Waranon Vanichprapa acts for Thai and international banks and companies on restructuring and bankruptcy matters. Practice co-leader Timothy Tan has experience in debt finance and debt restructuring transactions across the Asia Pacific region, while Komson Suntheeraporn represents creditors in court-supervised rehabilitation proceedings.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited
CIMB Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited
ASM Security Management Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Loxley Plc.)
Deutsche Bank, Hong Kong Branch
Tata Steel UK
Platinum Partners Value Arbitrage Fund
SSG Capital
BlackRock
Clearwater Capital Partners
Christopher Kennedy and Matthew Wright of RHSW (Cayman) Limited
Work highlights
- Advising and representing both and all of the bondholder representatives in the court-supervised rehabilitation proceedings of Thai Airways International PCL.
- Representing a proposed white-knight investor in Royal Chemie in respect of the ongoing debt restructuring and recapitalisation of the group.
- Representing the Cayman Islands-based liquidators of a New York-based hedge fund in relation to certain equity investments held by the fund in Indonesia.
Thailand > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 2
The international arbitration team at DLA Piper assists clients with both enforcing and resisting arbitral awards in all the main arbitration centres globally. The practice is led by litigator Don Rojanapenkul, who focuses on arbitrations involving insurance and infrastructure disputes, and includes senior consultant Peter Shelford who has expertise in insurance and reinsurance and construction cases, and counsel Robert Tang who focuses on cross-border energy and construction-related disputes. Komson Suntheeraporn is also a key contact.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is effective and efficient. They introduced some innovations in case handling. Billing was reasonable and worth the spending. Working during pandemic is no issue and they are accessible anytime and anywhere.’
‘Peter Shelford is a foreign lawyer with capability and experience in international arbitration. Komson Suntheeraporn is a Thai lawyer with vase experience in Thai dispute resolution and also some international arbitration. Their combination has put our case in a 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 No
Allied World Assurance Co., Ltd
Chubb
Blue Lotus Hua-Hin (Thailand) Co., Ltd; Blue Lotus Construction Co., Ltd.
Dhipaya Insurance
Thailand > Dispute resolution Tier 2
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:
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.
Thailand > TMT Tier 2
DLA Piper advises growing technology, IT, e-commerce and fintech companies on a range of matters, from software development and licensing to financial data-related agreements and outsourcing. The cross-border technology practice has also seen increased activity in regulatory compliance, data privacy and cyber security. Samata Masagee heads up the practice group and advises on technology M&A transactions, startup investments and data protection issues. Experienced litigator Don Rojanapenkul represents clients in the technology and telecoms sectors on a range of disputes.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Partners and associates are capable of providing legal advice in a timely manner and swift response to having a call or meeting for discussion.’
Key clients
Mavenir, Inc.
True Corporation Public Company Limited
5G Catalyst Technologies Co., Ltd.
LINE Company (Thailand) Limited
Samsung SDS Co., Ltd.
Medi24 AG
Work highlights
- Assisting True Corporation with the regulatory review on the offering of telehealth service – True HEALTH.
- Advising 5G Catalyst Technologies Co., Ltd. on the development of smart city projects in Thailand.
- Advising Mavenir Inc. on establishing operation in Thailand, as well as the importation of the 5G equipment.
Thailand > Transport Tier 2
DLA Piper handles project development matters, as well as financing and commercial agreements for clients in the aviation, shipping, road and rail industry sectors. Experienced litigator and arbitrator Peter Shelford represents clients in shipping disputes, while Waranon Vanichprapa and Samata Masagee remain key contacts in the team.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Thailand > Banking and finance Tier 3
DLA Piper advises Thai and international banks, as well as other financial institutions and multinational corporations, on a range of matters including acquisition finance, corporate lending, debt restructuring, and project and real estate finance. Co–country managing partner Waranon Vanichprapa, who handles financing and restructuring transactions, regulatory matters and bankruptcy issues, jointly leads the practice with Timothy Tan who focuses on debt finance and debt restructuring transactions.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘DLA Piper is a truly global firm that brings a high standard of service to every market, including Thailand. For cross-border deals in particular, DLA Piper is a one-stop shop.’
‘Timothy Tan in DLA Piper’s Bangkok office is a stand-out finance partner. He works tirelessly and has an awesome client service attitude. Despite advancing out of the junior partner band becoming more senior, he continues to get into the weeds of deals. He is a pleasure to work with or opposite on a deal.’
‘Timothy Tan is knowledgeable, practical and really at the top of his game.’
‘The team is very commercially driven and flexible with fees.’
Key clients
CIMB Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited
Bank of China
China Minsheng Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (Bangkok Branch)
TISCO Bank Public Company Limited
Deutsche Bank
Rabobank N.V.
Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited
Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited
Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited
KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank Public Company Limited
PT MNC Investama Tbk
QuEST Global Services PTE LTD
Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advised TISCO on its first REIT IPO financing for Prospect Logistics and Industrial Leasehold REIT.
- Advised Kiatnakin Phatra Bank as lender, security agent and facility agent on its first acquisition financing loan of THB 2.95bn secured term and revolving facilities.
- Advised PE Fund Capital Square Partners on a high-profile LBO, for its acquisition of CSS Corp.
Thailand > Corporate and M&A Tier 3
The corporate team at DLA Piper handles acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, inbound and outbound investments, as well as regulatory matters. The practice group is led by Samata Masagee, who focuses on cross-border transactions in Southeast Asia and is active across the energy, real estate and technology sectors. Associate Krittiya Wuddhihiranpreeda advises on M&A, disposals and corporate restructurings, while associate Kanokkorn Viriyasutum’s expertise lies in the technology and insurance sectors.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Fircroft Engineering Services Limited
Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited
Thai Oil Public Company Limited
Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited
Golden Land Property Development Public Company Limited
Real Asset Development Co., Ltd.
Populous Pte. Ltd.
JWD InfoLogistics Public Company Limited
Raimon Land Public Company Limited
Wipro Limited
Zain Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Global Power Synergy Public Co on the acquisition of a newly issued equity interest in Anhui Axxiva New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a company operating a battery manufacturing business in the PRC.
- Advised Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited on the acquisition of a 100% equity stake in a project company owning the lease right over a prime Bangkok CBD area to be developed into a mixed-use property.
- Acting for SCB10X, a venture capital arm of the Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, on the Series E fundraising of the first ever Thailand-based unicorn startup who provides e-commerce logistics services, Flash Group.
Thailand > Labour and employment Tier 3
DLA Piper acts for clients across a range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing and hospitality, on cross-border contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Practice head Komson Suntheeraporn advises Thai and multinational corporations on contentious work, such as representing clients in labour court proceedings, as well as non-contentious and advisory matters. Peter Shelford has experience in representing multinational clients in employment disputes in Thailand and advises insurance sector clients on employment matters.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We worked with Komson Suntheeraporn. Komson is a Thai lawyer with vast experience in Thai dispute resolution and also some international arbitration. Komson has given us clear information, description and strategy on the employment potential dispute. The result is very good, we managed to avoid all the disputes and we completed all the termination without any significant issue.’
‘Availability is no issue even during pandemic as they are accessible and contactable anytime, anywhere.‘
Work highlights
- Advising various multinational companies operating in Thailand on the change of the employment conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Acting for a shipping service company on a maritime labour dispute.
- Advising an infrastructure and transportation company on the secondment arrangement for supply of manpower in the operation and maintenance of its project in Thailand.
Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration > Leading firms
DLA Piper‘s international arbitration team spans from Australia to Southeast Asia and counts construction disputes among its specialist areas. From Sydney, ACICA vice-president Gitanjali Bajaj leads the Asia Pacific practice; she has particular construction, infrastructure, oil and gas, power and energy sector expertise. The group also benefits from strong individuals in Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane. In Thailand, the team is particularly strong for insurance and construction disputes; Don Rojanapenkul and senior consultant Peter Shelford are key contacts.Practice head(s):
Gitanjali Bajaj
Other key lawyers:
Don Rojanapenkul; Peter Shelford; Satpal Gobindpuri
Myanmar > Foreign desks
Based between Thailand and Singapore, DLA Piper’s practice is known for handling large-scale and often complex energy and infrastructure projects and financing work for an international client base. The group is led by Singapore-based Vincent Seah, who is active in power projects in Myanmar and is supported by Samata Masagee in Bangkok, who handles cross-border corporate mandates and acquisition work. Renewable energy continues to be a sector strength for the team.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
INPEX Corporation
Shikoku Electric Power Company
Chukoku Electric Power Company
China Huadian
Zhefu Holdings
Supreme Trading
ACO Investments
Indonesia > Foreign firms
DLA Piper has a broad client offering and handles banking and finance, capital markets, corporate/M&A, disputes, and projects mandates. Managing partner Joe Bauerschmidt has played an active role in the expansion of the firm’s corporate and capital markets practice, particularly in the technology, financial, energy and real estate sectors. Timothy Tan is a key individual to note in the banking and finance practice, and the capital markets offering is led by English and New York qualified lawyer Philip Lee. Maurice Burke joined from Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee in 2021 and heads the investigations practice for Asia.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘In my experience working with DLA Piper team in several global bond issuances, I noticed that the team is very helpful for both the issuer and the banks. They’re not hesitant to share insights on how some deals are typically executed from legal perspective, based on their experience doing similar deals in the past. This is essential information to equip us for negotiations with working parties and investors in global bond issuances. ’
‘The individuals are helpful and responsive. The communication was done very well with them. I remember they even are willing to take the time to do a session with debut issuers and banks, to educate such issuers on the documentation that are needed for global bond issuances. Shout out to Philip Lee and his team for demonstrating a high degree of professionalism.’
Key clients
PT MNC Investama group and PT Asia Vision Network
Digital Edge Asia
Surbana Jurong
Bank Mandiri
Indonesia Power
China Energy Investment Corp
ADB
Experian Ventures
BBVA
DBS Bank
Barito Pacific
KEPCO
Veolia
Mandiri Securities Pte Ltd
MUFG Securities
PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero)
Work highlights
- Advising PT Asia Vision Network on a $573m merger with Malacca Straits, a Nasdaq-listed SPAC.
- Advising Barito Pacific and Indonesia Power as sponsors on all aspects of the development and financing of the $3.3bn 2x1000MV Jawa 9 & 10 coal-fired power station in Indonesia, involving Euler Hermes, KEXIM and K-Sure.
- Representing the Asian branch of a global reinsurer in a contractual dispute with an Australian third-party marketing company.
Singapore > Banking and finance: foreign firms
With a firm presence throughout south-east Asia, DLA Piper's Singapore banking and finance team is often instructed on cross-border financing transactions. Leveraged buy-outs and acquisition finance are areas of particular expertise, and it is also praised by clients for its trade finance offering. Timothy Tan heads the team and also takes the lead in matters involving Indonesia and Thailand for borrowers and lenders. Vincent Seah has developed a reputation for project finance, with a focus on the energy sector.Practice head(s):
Timothy Tan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘DLA Piper has shown to be flexible and has great connectivity with the Chinese clients in particular onshore but also in south-east Asia and Hong Kong.’
‘Great at working on cross border transactions. Very experienced and client oriented. Very easy to work with.’
‘Strong performers and very knowledgeable. Very reliable.’
‘The team is always helpful even on ad-hoc advice/potential transaction. The team is well-versed on trade financing transactions and have set up various trade programme for a number of banks; as such, they would be one of my go-to firm at structural stage to gauge on whether what we are thinking to do are doable, market standard and if there are any red-flags.’
Key clients
Deutsche Bank
DBS Bank
Capital Square Partners
TTCL Public Company
Sojitz Corporation
INPEX Corporation
Barito Pacific
Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO)
Indonesia Power
Proterra Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Capital Square Partners on LBO acquisition financing to acquire the CSS Corp group of companies.
- Advising a consortium of TTCL Public Company, Sojitz Corporation,, INPEX Corporation, and Shikoku Electric Power Company and Chukoku Electric Power Company on all aspects of the development and financing of the 388MW Ahlone LNG-to-power project in Myanmar.
- Advising Barito Pacific and Indonesia Power, in their role as sponsors, on all aspects of the development and financing of the US$3.3bn 2x1000MV Jawa 9 & 10 coal-fired power station in Indonesia, involving Euler Hermes, KEXIM and K-Sure. This is a pathfinder project involving the financing of a completely new structure in Indonesia.
DLA Piper > Firm Profile
Global co-chairs: Frank W. Ryan and Andrew Darwin
Co-chief executive officers: Simon Levine and Frank W. Ryan
Languages: The firm speaks over 60 languages
Offices: Lawyers located in more than 60 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
Please see https://www.dlapiper.com for further information about the firm.
Diversity
DLA Piper has a leading pro bono practice, providing over 200,000 hours’ worth of legal support annually to charities, NGOs, governments in least developed countries and vulnerable individuals around the world. We are one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services globally. Our thriving practice provides support for aforementioned organisations on a wide range of areas that are critical to their missions. This includes research, legal advice and strategic counsel. The global team works collaboratively to ensure a global impact on our key strategic focus areas including: forcible displacement, statelessness, gender-based violence, climate justice, and good governance.
In the Asia Pacific region, we deliver cutting edge pro bono programs. This includes our Know Your Rights Program, focused on fostering legal empowerment for migrants and refugees, and delivering practical legal skills programs to students in developing Pacific Island Nations. We also advise on gender based violence through our partnership with the RainLily Clinic (Hong Kong) and the Refugee Legal Family Violence Clinic (Australia).
Our Pro Bono program is led by a dedicated team of pro bono lawyers who sit within the international Responsible Business Team. As a team we are committed to looking for opportunities to use our strength as a leading global law firm to make a positive contribution to the world around us. We are focused on being a truly sustainable business, makes a positive social and environmental impact. This commitment exists at every level within the firm and is part of our culture.
Our Responsible Business team works internationally on a vast array of ESG topics, aligning to the firm’s ESG strategic priorities. This includes advising on key environmental and conservation matters, working on projects relating to illegal wildlife trafficking, climate and conservation. We also work to promote and invest in projects that advance sustainable development and the rule of law in developing nations.
DLA Piper’s pro bono work forms part of the firm’s wider Sustainability & ESG Strategy, focused on understanding, measuring and managing the firm’s impact in four key areas – our people, clients and suppliers, environment, and society. These focus areas are identified through a formal materiality assessment. We also report on our progress annually via our Sustainability Report. Our ambitions and actions align with globally accepted standards and frameworks (e.g. the UN Global Compact, Business Ambition for 1.5, Science Based Targets initiative, Mindful Business Charter, and others).
We are firmly committed to diversity and inclusion. For us, diversity isn’t just about visible differences, it’s the unique blend of talents, skills, experiences and perspectives that makes each of us an individual and we know it’s crucial to have a culture and environment where those differences are genuinely valued. In 2021, we launched our global diversity and inclusions goals, including ensuring that at least 30% of our partnership is made up of women by 2025 (and 40% by 2030). Our employee networks play a crucial part in helping us learn, reflect and share our experiences in diversity and inclusion.
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- Insurance
- Real estate and construction
- Restructuring and insolvency