Thailand

IFLR1000 Reviews

Financial and corporate
Axis Legal

Axis Legal is a full-service law firm headquartered in Bangkok. Key figures at the firm include partner Peter Burke. 

 

Focusses / specialisms   

The firm is noted for its work in the corporate and M&A space, where its experience includes advising on buy and sell side acquisitions, joint ventures, restructurings and divestments in sectors such as consumer goods, industrials, telecommunications and manufacturing.

 

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)   

During the research period, the firm acted for international clients on several confidential acquisitions, joint ventures and divestments.

In staff changes, associate Boonbadin Ngamjit in the corporate and M&A team moved to Decha & Co.

Chandler Mori Hamada

Chandler Mori Hamada was formed in 2017 through the full integration of Chandler & Thong-ek, a preeminent Thai law firm active since 1974, and Mori Hamada & Matsumoto. Membership of the Mori Hamada network allows the firm to cater to clients’ needs across the region.The firm also extends its reach globally through its membership of the World Law Group.  

Highlights  

The firm's banking team demonstrated strong activity, representing a diverse clientele of both lenders and borrowers on a range of domestic and cross-border financings, including project finance and general lending.  

In capital markets, the group has significantly bolstered its practice, with a notable focus on REITs.  

The M&A team's recent work includes advisingThaiNamthip Co Ltd andThaiNamthip Corporation on a strategic cross-border M&A deal involving Coca-Cola's bottling operations.  

The firm has also quicklyestablisheditself as a strong player in restructuring and insolvency with creditor-side roles on high-profile transactions.  

Key clients  

Asian Development Bank, United Overseas BankBangkok Bank, Ingersoll Rand, and Avolon Aerospace Leasing. 

Testimonials  

Banking and finance 

The lawyers are very responsive, they explain things clearly and provide solutions.”  

Capital markets: debt 

The firm offered us an expertise in debt capital market legal work. They also represented the company as a legal counsel with a deep understanding of company background and operating environment.”  

“They have an experienced team.”  

Capital markets: equity 

“The team is responsive.”  

M&A 

Practical experience, specialized skills, focus on client service, ethical conduct.”  

“Professional advice, quality of service and support, supportive attitude, trilingual.”  

“The firm has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and expertise throughout the engagement. Their team is well-versed in Thai regulatory frameworks, cross-border transaction structuring, and sector-specific legal issues. We particularly appreciated their commercially practical advice, responsiveness under tight timelines, and ability to manage complex legal, regulatory, and dispute-related matters involving multiple stakeholders. They provide clear, strategic regulatory advice and handling disputes with a sound understanding of both legal risk and commercial implications.”  

Arkrapol Pichedvanichok 

“His combination of technical legal proficiency, strategic insight, and collaborative approach makes him a standout advisor for clients navigating complex corporate transactions and regulatory environments in Thailand.”  

“He has business acumen, strong legal expertise, prudent and precise recommendation, proactive response, and excellent negotiations skill.”  

Doungporn Prasertsomsuk 

“She has in-depth knowledge in capital market practice.”  

“She had a depth of experience in debt capital markets which helped the company to successfully issue bond.”  

“She is well known and has in-depth knowledge on debt instruments in Thailand.”  

Chotiwut Sukpradub 

“He gives good legal and practical advice.” 

Panupan Udomsuvannakul  

“He is good at reviewing agreement. He also has trilingual ability and supportive attitude.”  

Worapan Wuttisarn 

“He is responsive and able to meet deadlines.”  

Rajah & Tann (Thailand)

R&T Asia (Thailand)is a member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia. The Bangkok office has grown to almost 60 lawyers. The team is made up of leading individuals and is led by renowned managing partnerSurasakVajasit, a former judge,recognisedas a legal heavyweight in Thailand.  

The firm has in-depth experience in banking and finance matters, including high-profile transactions and complex cross-border matters. The firm is also well known for structuring foreign investment approvals, corporate commercial matters for investors, and providing wide-rangingassistancein regulatory and licensing issues.  

Highlights  

The firm recently acted on a landmark transaction, advising Synagistics on its business combination with Hong Kong Acquisition Corporation. This deal marks Hong Kong's inaugural de-SPAC transaction involving a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 

Key clients  

Synagistics, Actavis Holding Asia, Midea Intelligent Manufacturing (Thailand), Chiluxe International Tourism Development, and Maxsteel Enterprise (Thailand). 

Siam Premier International Law Office

Founded in 1990, independent law firmSiam Premier International Law Officeis a well-known name in the Thai market for high-quality corporate and M&A work. The firmmaintainsits offices in Bangkok.  

The firm works on domestic and cross-border corporate and M&A transactions for clients such as buyers,sellersand targets. The firm has experience in sectors such as automotive, aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, insurance, mining, energy, real estate,logistics,technologyand telecommunications.  

Highlights  

The banking and finance team was notably active for both lenders and borrowers on significant project financing deals.  

The capital markets group showcased its versatility by handling a mix of debt and equity offerings, including advisingKTCon the establishment of a US$2 billion medium-term note programme and the subsequent placement of long-term debentures and short-term bills of exchange under it.  

The M&A practice also stood out, securing high-profile instructions such as advisingMidea Groupon its acquisition of a controlling 97.38% interest inTeka Industrial.  

Key clients  

Krungthai Card, Knight Club Capital Asset Management, Phillip Securities (Thailand) Public Company, Midea Group, and Hillhouse Investment Management.  

Testimonials  

M&A 

We appreciate the fast response and willingness to assist. The support provided was comprehensive, with helpful information and practical suggestions that made sense and added value.”  

Ajjima Kanokmaneechotikul 

“I appreciate her fast response and willingness to assist. The support provided was comprehensive, with helpful information and practical suggestions that made sense and added value.” 

Silk Legal

Founded in 2015, Bangkok-headquartered Silk Legal is a boutique law firm led by founding and managing partner Jason Corbett, an insolvency specialist and the only member of the International Insolvency Institute in Thailand. The firm also has offices in Pattaya, Phuket and Dubai.  

 

Highlights  

Silk Legal is recognised for its work in the banking and finance and restructuring and insolvency areas and has a particular focus on fintech. 

Recent examples of the firm’s fintech work include advising BlueZilla Venture Capital, a private investment fund that focuses primarily on ventures and projects that involve decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital assets, and EQIBank which provides digital banking services. 

 

Testimonials    

“The area is fraught with uncertainty and practical advice always appreciated.” (Financial services regulatory client) 

“Efficient, clear, and fairly priced advice. Silk Legal are reliable. They deliver on time, the advice is practical and concise, and the price is fair.” (Financial services regulatory client) 

“The Silk Legal team provide clear, concise advice in straightforward language, delivered on time, with reasonable fees, and a minimum of fuss.” (Financial services regulatory client) 

“Very practical advice provided, good feedback from clients.” (Financial services regulatory client) 

“Concise, sport of advice.” (M&A client) 

 

Key clients 

BSCPad, BRP Bizzozero & Partners, BlueZilla Venture Capital, Monaker, New Nordic 

SRPP

Founded in 2019 by Passawan Navanithikul and Panuwat Chalongkuamdee, Somboon Rittichai Panuwat Passawan (SRPP) is an independent law firm located in Bangkok.  

The firm boasts well-established banking and finance practice and is always in the leading-edge financing transactions in Thailand. The firm also performs consistently well in M&A practice, it is experienced in sectors including energy, petrochemical, transportation, telecommunications, financial institutions, insurance, real estate, industrial manufacturing and services, wholesale and retail trades, food and beverage, media and publishing, and software and digital business.  

Highlights  

The firm's banking practice recently handled several high-value, complex financing matters. The team advised theGovernment Savings Bankon two facility agreements for a loan toPS Well 1, a subsidiary ofPruksa Holding. This transaction required sophisticated structuring using promissory notes, necessitating precise drafting to guarantee enforceability.  

In another significant mandate, the firm represented United Overseas Bank (Singapore) in amending a SGD 1.24 billion (US$1.26 billion) facility agreement for TCC Assets. A central challenge involved amending the terms while preserving the integrity of the Thai law share pledge over shares of Thai Beverage that secured the facility.  

Key clients  

Thai Beverage, Ananda Development, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Government Savings Bank, Kiatnakin Phatra Bank  

Testimonials  

M&A 

“A legal professional service is not the only remarkable pathway that SRPP always delivers, business and commercial tasks are introduced and guided by this firm also.”  

“The firm provide proper advice including commercial solutions for consideration.”  

Panuwat Chalongkuamdee 

“Clear explanation, understands the client business, always provides good suggestions and proposes alternative solution.”  

“He always provides good advice which covers all legal, commercial, and strategy terms that make our deal achieveable, and efficiently.”  

The Capital Law Office

Active since 2013, Bangkok-headquartered firmThe Capital Law Officeisled by eight partners and has more than 30 lawyers and team members.  

Thefirm isknown for its top-quality capital markets work.The team has extensive experience acting for issuers and underwriters and advises on many matters, including equity-linked products, debt instruments and derivatives in domestic and international markets.Sectors of focus include energy, retail, realestateandlogistics.  

Highlights  

An eye-catching mandate saw the firm advising the Government Savings Bank in its joint venture with Bangkok Commercial Asset Management to establish ARI Asset Management. This groundbreaking transaction marked the first and only asset management company structured under the Bank of Thailand’s new regulation permitting joint investments between specialised financial institutions and asset management companies.  

Another standout mandate saw the firmadvising Boonthavorn Retail Corporation in connection with its IPO and the listing of its shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The team adeptly managed the dual challenge of ensuring full compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission and SET regulations while structuring a public offering that reflected the company's unique business model and strategic goals.  

Key clients  

Finansia X, Boonthavorn Retail Corporation, GMM Music, Pluk Phak Praw Rak Mae, Nakornthon Hospital, Lakeshore Capital Partners, Government Savings Bank, and Rev Edition. 

Testimonials  

Capital markets: equity 

“Professional, accurate, and in-depth oSEC regulations.”  

“Quick response and good advice.”  

M&A 

“I always feel confident that things will be done well and that our interests will be carefully taken care of by the firm.” 

Wimol Jatesadavanich 

“Clearly provides solutions and in-depth on SEC rules.” 

Patraporn Milindasuta 

She understands issues and our concerns. She acts on our behalf fully, delivering peace of mind for us. She is soft yet strong in negotiation on our behalf. She is creative in offering solutions that are agreeable for parties in negotiations.”  

Chatri Trakulmanenate 

“Quick response and gives the accurate answer.” 

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners

Founded in 2009, Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners is one of the largest firms and best-known names in the Thai legal market, with a team of more than 100 legal professionals, including partners, lawyers and legal assistants.  

The firm provides top-quality advice in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, project development, and restructuring and insolvency. It takes on clients from a host of sectors, including banking and financial services, consumer products, industrial and manufacturing, technology and telecommunications, real estate, oil and gas, and energy.  

Highlights  

The M&A team was highly visible in high-profile transactions, including advising Dymon Asia Private Equity in the formation of a joint venture, TUSK Asia, with the Ourairat Family, the founders of the schools. This deal is one of the largest of its kind in the Thai education sector, involved complex legal challenges. The team provided critical counsel on the M&A structuring and meticulously managed the deal's fund flow, showcasing its deep transactional expertise.  

The projects team is consistently at the forefront of pioneering deals, notably advising the Government of Thailand's Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EECO) on the public-private partnership for the high-speed rail link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. This is the biggest PPP project in Thailand and the first concession granted on a high-speed train project. This transaction is particularly challenging as it is the first renegotiation PPP agreement under the EEC Act.  

Key clients  

Dymon Asia Private Equity, KIA Corporation, Rever Automotive, Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor, Port Authority of Thailand, and Department of Highways. 

Testimonials  

Capital markets: debt  

The team has in-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape regarding convertible debt securities in Thailand, and they do not shy from going the extra mile to provide well-rounded advice.”  

Capital markets: equity  

“Very detailed oriented and helpful when solving the issues.”  

“Very experienced, which gives me a high level of confidence in the advice they render.”  

M&A  

The team has the domestic market knowledge. They are also speedy and responsive.”  

“The team is very responsive and thoughtful. It has extensive knowledge of local laws and processes and the ability to solve problem.”  

Projects  

“The team demonstrate exceptional proficiency and commitment in supporting complex PPP initiatives through in-depth expertise, strategic advisory skills, precision in drafting and negotiation, strong risk management, and effective stakeholder communication.”  

Trinuch Chuenchomlada  

“Being foreign to Thailand laws and its market practices, we truly felt that we were in good hands with Trinuch and her team's expertise, vast experience and circumspect advice.”  

“Strong communications and very responsive.”  

Wittaya Kaewkungsadan  

“Very detailed oriented and helpful.”  

Peerapat Kumpayorm  

“He helped us draft and negotiate PPP tendering document and agreements. He also provided legal counsel for PPP project management and risk management.”  

Phanpicha Nityo  

“She is knowledgeable, responsive and supportive.”  

Siregran Sakuliampaiboon  

“Excellent client interaction, very responsive, commands a deep and skilled team, problem solves extremely well.”  

Wise Equity Legal Counsel

Wise Equity Legal Counsel is an independent law firm based in Bangkok, with a strong focus on corporate and capital markets law. The firm is driven by a team of seasoned partners, including Yaowarote Klinboon, Karinevidch Olivero, Phatamol Phisitbuntoon, Chanattorn Thunyaluck, and Sittiwate Jewsittiprapai. With a dedicated team of 16 skilled lawyers, the firm offers expert counsel across corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets transactions.

 

Highlights 

In a landmark private placement, the firm advised a consortium of foreign investors on their acquisition of a significant stake in VGI Public Company Limited. The team resolved complex foreign ownership issues by successfully introducing the "initial purchaser" concept to the Thai private placement market for the first time, adapting a tool typically used in international IPOs.

Other examples of the firm’s deal work include advising TRITN on its acquisition of a holding company owning 117 hectares of land in Chonburi, for development into a nature park. This was a highly complex transaction requiring careful navigation of multiple legal and regulatory challenges.

 

Key clients 

VGI Public, SEI Medical, BEYOND Securities, Aqua Corporation, Triton Holding, TIDC Holdings

 

Testimonials   

Banking and finance

“Availability, accessibility, expertise in the subject matter.”

 

Capital markets

“The firm has extensive knowledge and expertise in the capital markets. With years of experience and a deep understanding of various industries, their team consistently delivers valuable insights and effective solutions. This makes our collaboration truly rewarding and successful.”

 

M&A

“Promptly respond, Reliable on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations.”

“The firm is able to help structuring M&A deals. They have an experienced and aggressive founder, experienced and competent team heads, and sufficient work force. All lawyers are fluent in English.”

“Structuring expertise and extensive knowledge of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations.”

“Their hands-on, personalised approach with clients, as well as comprehensive and full suite of service scope. Also, their diligent follow up on post-transaction matters and other matters of importance to us as the client.”

 

Projects

“Response and team hard work.”

 

Sittiwate Jewsittiprapai

“Very responsive and hard work.”

 

Yaowarote Klinboon

“Be innovative in problem solving, advising challenging cases.”

“Clear communication, active listener, responsiveness.”

“Good team management. Good legal knowledge, especially stock-exchange-listed corporate laws. Good network to procure legal specialist if not competent in some areas.”

“Experienced in M&A structuring, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations.”

“She is exceptionally skilled and efficient. She consistently delivers works in a timely and accurate manner, demonstrating a deep understanding of the capital market in Thailand. She also has specialized expertise in mergers and acquisitions making her an invaluable asset to our team and our operations.”

 

Phatamol Phisitbuntoon

“Meeting deadlines, managing expectations and executing with high-pressure and at high performance level with little or no room for errors.”

Baker McKenzie

As one of the largest law firms in Thailand, Baker McKenzie is a household name in the Thai legal market and excels in all transactional matters. The firm is located in Bangkok.  

 

Focusses/ specialisms   

The firm provides high-quality advice across all practice areas. 

The banking and finance team is experienced in an array of matters, including acquisition financing, project financing, loan facilities, corporate financing and aircraft leasing deals. 

The firm’s renowned capital markets practice stands out, particularly in terms of its derivatives and structured finance work and boasts the largest market share in structured products transactions in Thailand. 

In M&A, the firm focuses on consumer goods, energy and infrastructure, mining, banking and financial services, healthcare, hospitality, industrials and manufacturing, and technology and telecommunications. 

The firm has a historically strong projects practice with a key focus on PPPs. 

The firm’s restructuring team advises a wide range of clients such as debtors, creditors, liquidators, government entities and plan administrators. 

 

Key clients 

Notable clients include Siam Commercial Bank, Krungthai Bank, Kiatnakin Bank, DBS Bank, Bank of Julius Baer, UOB Thai, Goldman Sachs, CP Group, Ananda Development, RATCH Group, Thaioil, Boon Rawd Brewery and IRPC. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Capital markets 

"Baker McKenzie Thailand capital markets’ team has a great reputation in industry. In particular, this team contributes a great effort in dealing with authorities and official members. Not only do they provide a suggestion, but also, they provide an option or solution for us. " 

 

M&A 

"The Baker McKenzie team has a deep understanding of our business and industry, relevant regulatory issues and key commercial issues. Their advice was sound and insightful." 

DFDL

DFDL has had a permanent presence in Thailand since 2005 and has offices in Bangkok and Samui. The firm is a regional player with offices in jurisdictions including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. 

 

Focusses/ specialisms   

While the firm is best recognised for its project development practice, it is also strong in banking and finance and M&A.  

The firm’s banking team acts for clients such as domestic and international banks, sponsors, private and institutional investors, insurance companies, development banks and SOEs.  

In the capital markets area, the firm has experience acting on domestic and cross-border transactions for clients such as issuers and underwriters. 

DFDL’s corporate and M&A activities span sectors including energy, financial services, technology, aviation, industrials and manufacturing, hospitality and retail. 

The projects team works on projects throughout the region and has extensive experience in advising stakeholders such as sponsors, lenders, developers and development agencies.         

 

Key clients 

Notable clients include Sinohydro (Hong Kong), Impact Energy Asia Development, Lao-China Power Investment and B.Grimm Power Public Company. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Bank lending 

"This deal had multi-jurisdictional elements, and the DFDL team was able to meet our expectations by closing the transaction in a timeline of two weeks within the end of year 2021." 

Hunton Andrews Kurth

American law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth has been active in the Thai market since 1997. Its Bangkok office performs consistently well across the financial and corporate space. The firm sits on the panels of several major financial institutions, such as International Finance Corporation, Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. 

 

Focusses/ specialisms   

The firm is ranked highly in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, project development and the restructuring and insolvency areas. Sectors of focus include energy, infrastructure, technology and telecommunications, banking and financial services, consumer goods and services, and manufacturing. 

 

Key clients 

Notable clients include Kasikornbank, Bangkok Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Thai), Mizuho Bank, Alvarez & Marsal Asia, BlueRun Ventures, Constant Energy Management Services, Energy Absolute, Tate & Lyle, Wongnai Media and LEO Global Logistics.   

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Project finance 

"They turn issues all right. They have very quick support for agents and lenders." 

 

Restructuring 

"Proficient in the law and correct practices. Fast and keep up with business." 

JTJB International Lawyers

Mid-sized firm JTJB International Lawyers maintains an office in Bangkok and is recognised for its project development work. The firm recently expanded its legal network by entering into a strategic partnership with Chinese firm Tahota Law Firm.

The firm is active in sectors including energy, technology, and food and beverage.

Clients include Solarxell Corporation, Raimon Land Public Company, OBOOK, Green Energy Investment Holding.

An interesting recent deal saw the firm advising a renewable energy company on a rooftop solar project. The firm also took on regulatory compliance and market entry work.

 

Deal highlights

Green Resource THB340 million acquisition of a solar farm    

KPMG Law Thailand

The full-service law firm KPMG Law Thailand has had an office in Bangkok since 2006. The firm is a member of the KPMG Law network and is capable of advising clients on matters throughout the region.  

 

Focusses/ specialisms   

The firm is noted for its banking and M&A capabilities. 

In banking, the firm has experience representing local and foreign banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, hedge funds and corporations. 

The corporate and M&A team advises on both inbound and outbound matters. The firm takes on clients from a diverse range of sectors including real estate, fintech, automotive, social infrastructure and energy. 

 

Key clients 

Notable clients include Ant Financial Services Group, Alibaba, Lazada, Exim Bank Malaysia, PricewaterhouseCoopers Luxembourg and Finansia Syrus Securities. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

M&A 

"Highly experienced lawyers, smart and creative in providing tailor-made solutions to the client." 

"Very responsive. Good acumen in relation to in-house requirements." 

Kudun & Partners

Established in 2015, Kudun & Partners has quickly risen in prominence in the financial and corporate space and is especially well known for its strong capital markets and restructuring and insolvency teams. The firm set up the first dedicated China business unit in an independent Thai firm. It is also notably Thailand’s exclusive member of the World Services Group.

 

Focusses / specialisms   

The banking team acts for domestic and foreign clients in their roles as lenders and borrowers.

The capital markets team has expertise in matters such as IPOs, derivatives, high yield debt, and secondary and follow-on offerings.

The M&A team caters to clients across the full spectrum of corporate and M&A mandates.

The projects team has the capability to advise on domestic mandates as well as across the region and has a particular focus on the renewables space.

On the restructuring front, the firm advises across a range of matters, including corporate restructuring, debt restructuring and the acquisition of distressed assets. 

 

Key clients  

Key clients include One Asset Management, NForce Secure, JKN Global Media, Thisshop, TRV Rubber Products, Prosper Engineering, Taokaenoi Food & Marketing, Yong Concrete and King Gen. 

 

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)   

The banking team recently advised a mix of borrowers and lenders on several financing transactions, including project financing.

The capital markets team was busy advising issuers on an array of mandates, including IPOs and share offerings and secondary share offerings.

In corporate matters, the firm was active on private acquisitions, public acquisitions, asset acquisitions, joint ventures and divestments.

On the projects front, the firm was mostly active in energy projects. The firm was also active advising creditors on restructuring mandates.

During the review period, the corporate and M&A team welcomed partner and head of permits and licensing, Thanyaluck Thongrompo from PKF Tax and Consulting Services (Thailand).

 

 Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)   

Apollo Global Management’s 100% equity and debt investments.

Energy Absolute’s 100% investment in E Transport.

PTT Saving and Credit Cooperative’s restructuring.

Yong Concrete’s IPO.

 

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)   

Capital markets

“They work closely with our IT development team to catch up with the rapid changes of the SEC regulation toward the challenging time. I really appreciate KAP for the fast response and always preparing a constructive comment against the SEC opinion.”

 

Financial services regulatory

“Their experience and knowledge about the payment industry can be valuable in assisting our company.”

 

Investment funds

“Outstanding grasp and execution of English documentation to international standard.”

 

M&A

“Response relatively quick to any queries/advisory needed using available form of communications and provide sound legal advice on the legal issues with potential solutions.”

“They are familiar with the type of work. Responsive and quick turnaround.”

 

Project development

“They can specify clearly for definitions and conditions on IP issue.”

 

Restructuring

“Eagerness; olutions provider; ard-working.”

 

Peerasanti Somritutai

“Knowledgeable, esponsive and imely.”

 

Teerachai Boonyaratgalin

“He possesses a service-oriented mindset and is capable of providing introductory advice, with a good understanding of the client's needs.”

 

Koraphot Jirachocksubsin

“Koraphot is a rising star in the field of TMT and digital assets. He has extensive knowledge of the industry. He has no qualms about sharing his knowledge with other parties involved in the same transaction so that they can see the same picture as him and ultimately achieve the deal's goal. He is also attentive to his client's needs and initiates excellent practical solutions to move the transaction forward.” 

 

Chai Lertvittayachaikul

“Great communication and involvement. Skilled negotiator. Responsive turnaround.”

 

Songpol Pirunsarn

“Be calm and give good advice.”

 

Troy Schooneman

“Pleasant to work with, service0oriented and a team player.”

 

Yanin Sirilak

“Well-researched and in-depth advisory.”

 

Peerasanti Somritutai

“Ability to manage foreign institutional investors seamlessly.”

 

Kudun Sukhumananda

“Solutions-oriented and responsive.” 

 

Thitawan Thanasombatpaisarn

“Approachable, friendly and willing to help. Her knowledge of capital markets is outstanding. You can ask her any questions and she can answer immediately.”

“She is a good capital markets lawyer with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. I require her to provide strategic advice to clients on a wide range of capital markets issues, such as securities offerings, regulatory compliance, disclosure requirements and corporate governance, which she does incredibly well.”

 

Thanyaluck Thongrompo

“Structured timeline is provided for any assignment, clear and concise documents required.”

 

Kom Vachiravarakarn

“Meets basic requirements in service provided, as expected.”

 

Kongkoch Yongsavasdikul

“Highly responsive and flexible. Good attitude and demeanour.”

Mayer Brown (ceased trading January 2021)

With an office in Bangkok since 1991, Mayer Brown is best known for its strong restructuring and insolvency practice. The firm sits on the panels of several international financial institutions including Standard Chartered Bank, BNP Paribas, HSBC, China Development Bank and ANZ.

The firm represents all types of stakeholders across the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency matters such as liquidations, bond restructurings, and multi-bank workouts.

Sectors of focus include construction and materials, mining and natural resources, industrials and manufacturing and banking and financial services.

The firm acts for big names such as Lone Star, Bain Capital, CIMB, and Standard Chartered.

During the research period, the firm was primarily active for financial institutions on several confidential mandates such as debt restructuring, rehabilitations, and acquisitions of loans.

 

Nishimura & Asahi

Nishimura & Asahi opened as the first large Japanese law firm in Bangkok in 2013. In 2019, the office merged with SCL Law Group, a local law firm led by Chavalit Uttasart, a Thai law attorney who has over 40 years of experience in the field of international corporate legal affairs.  

The firm respond to not only inbound and outbound transactions between Thailand and Japan, but also multilateral transactions between Thailand and Vietnam and other Asian countries, not limited to Japan. 

 

Highlights  

Projects highlights include advising the project developer Asian Association on a 5,000-hectare facility in Cambodia for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the largest-scale SAF production facility planned in Southeast Asia to date.   

 

Key clients 

Mizuho Bank, Mizuho Trust & Banking, Mizuho Securities, Marubeni Corporation, Debevoise & Plimpton, Toyo Ink, Aurelius, ISTS (Thailand), Yamaha Motor Electronics (Thailand)

Thanathip & Partners

Thanathip & Partners is a financial and corporate-focused local law firm located in Bangkok. Chawaluck Sivayathorn Araneta serves as managing partner of the firm. 

 

Focusses/ specialisms   

The firm is known for its strong capital markets and corporate and M&A offerings. The capital markets team specialises in equity fund offerings and the M&A team is experienced in a range of sectors including energy, healthcare, agriculture, mining and media. 

 

Key clients 

Notable clients include Banpu Power, RS Public Company, Principal Capital, Boon Rawd Trading, GP Group, Land & Houses, Tencent Thailand, Central Pattana and Bitkub Capital Group. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

M&A 

"They have done incredible jobs helping us negotiate deals from the legal point of view, giving us valuable advice and comments on the contracts, which give us lots of benefits and the proper protections we should have." 

"They provide solid and practical regulatory advice." 

Tilleke & Gibbins

Regional player Tilleke & Gibbins has been headquartered in Bangkok since 1890. The firm offers unparalleled legal representation in the areas of commercial transactions and M&A, corporate services, dispute resolution and litigation, and intellectual property. 

 

Focusses/ specialisms   

The firm is strongest in M&A and project development and performs consistently in banking and finance, capital markets and restructuring and insolvency. 

In banking work, the firm advises local and foreign banks, securities brokers and dealers, investment firms and financial institutions across the gamut of financial instruments. 

The capital markets team has extensive experience advising on debt and equity transactions and regulatory compliance. The firm often acts on primary and secondary listings on both domestic and foreign exchanges. 

The corporate team’s experience covers a range of sectors such as technology and telecommunications, industrials and manufacturing, logistics, real estate, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. 

The projects team often advises contractors and financial institutions on projects in Thailand and across the region. Types of work include advising on power-sharing agreements, EPCs, regulatory compliance and PPPs. 

 

Key clients 

Notable clients include Bain Capital Private Equity, BlackRock, First State Investments, M&G Prudential, Merian Global Investors, Morgan Stanley, Weiss Asset Management and XTB International. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Financial services regulatory 

"They have provided sensible and commercial regulatory advice." 

 

M&A 

"Very proactive in bridging Thai and foreign requirements."