What are the most significant cases, projects or transactions that you and your legal team have recently been involved in?

Our parent company, Mitsubishi Corporation, established its Thailand office in 1960. Since then, the business has flourished and expanded into various industries. Few of our invested entities have a legal department or dedicated lawyer. It has become a major focus to thoroughly examine this situation and encourage self-reliance, helping these entities recognize when to engage legal expertise for specific incidents.

Recently, we conducted a survey with our joint venture companies, gaining insightful data. We now understand that different group companies need tailored approaches for handling legal and compliance tasks independently. Our goal is to support them in developing the necessary mindset and skillsets for self-reliance.

Typical in-house counsel might see this direction as potentially detrimental to their careers. We believe businesspersons must understand regulations related to their business to address issues independently, including contract reviews. When the organization has robust expertise in managing legal and compliance matters, in-house lawyers can focus on high-level work that positively impacts the organization, rather than being bogged down by day-to-day tasks.

Our next challenge is to enhance the capabilities of individuals within the organisation to foster a self-sufficient operation. This initiative will lead to a more efficient and knowledgeable workforce, capable of navigating legal complexities with confidence.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Working under a global company like Mitsubishi Corporation is a remarkable opportunity. Our frameworks, comparable to those of world-leading companies, provide robust infrastructure. My role focuses on staying relevant to our business through effective communication with stakeholders and building a team that identifies potential issues independently. By demonstrating proactive care to stakeholders, we can address crises early. Effective communication and observation are key to identifying issues before they escalate.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

Having had first-hand experience dealing with certain government agencies that continued to exert their authority and legal mechanisms against a private entity, I have observed a troubling scenario. Commonly, this occurs when authorities use their discretion beyond what is permitted by law, or intentionally or mistakenly misinterpret the laws they are supposed to govern. In an extreme case, despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the private entity, these agencies persisted in their actions. The private entity, which earns income, generates profit, and pays taxes, finds itself unfairly targeted by government agencies funded by taxpayer money. This unjust pursuit appears to be driven by ego and other motives, rather than justice, creating a paradox where the taxpayer is attacked by the very institutions meant to serve them.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

With the rapid advancement of technology, the role of in-house counsel is undergoing a significant transformation. AI and other cutting-edge technologies are now capable of assisting individuals with legal matters, sometimes even more effectively than having a lawyer by their side. This shift means that legal professionals must adapt quickly to stay relevant. We can no longer confine ourselves to a legal silo that is disconnected from other disciplines. The legal market will favor lawyers who remain agile and develop a compassionate and proactive mindset. In-house counsel must stay on top of current matters, provide practical approaches, leverage hands-on experience, and apply their knowledge constructively.