Thailand

Independent firm Blumenthal Richter & Sumet continues to grow its broad-ranging dispute resolution offering under the leadership of Anuwat Ngamprasertkul. The team further bolstered its ranks last year with the hiring of a senior associate from PWC Legal & Tax Consultants. The disputes team has been busy, handling contentious matters relating to business rehabilitations, hostile takeovers, white-collar crime and disputes in the commercial, shareholder, real estate, employment and tax realms, among others. The firm works with a balanced mix of domestic conglomerates and foreign multinationals.

Head of the litigation and dispute resolution Ngamprasertkul is the main contact.

The team is acting for a group of foreign creditors in objecting to the business rehabilitation case of a large real estate company. Also on the restructuring and insolvency front, the team is representing a Thai automobile manufacturer on a potential dispute with its dealerships in relation to outstanding debt. A director of a domestic hospitality company has enlisted Ngamprasertkul and his team for a criminal case. The team is working with a Singporean investment company in a commercial dispute with a Phuket-based real estate developer where the client is alleging its investment and assets were siphoned off.

Client feedback

“The firm delivers authentic service, high efficiency, positive attitude and concrete knowledge.” – Commercial and transactions

Anuwat Ngamprasertkul

“We appreciate his positive attitude, knowledge, efficiency, quick turnaround time and professionalism.”

Chandler MHM continues to cement its standing among domestic disputes players through its growing caseload and mature team. With an experienced team of veteran litigators on board, the firm has tackled increasingly complex mandates for numerous industry-leading companies. The group represents local and international clients, and covers a spectrum of disputes such as regulatory, insolvency, construction, insurance, employment, intellectual property, civil, and tax and customs. It has significant expertise with court proceedings in the local courts, including specialised ones such as the labour and IP courts, and in domestic and international arbitration forums.

The key contacts are dispute resolution head Waree Shinsirikul and partner Nathee Silacharoen.

Client feedback
“Very solid at reviewing contracts and providing legal advice in various fields.” – Commercial and transactions

“The team provides prompt and clear advice.” – International arbitration

“They helped us to win the case.” – Real estate

Tawatchai Boonmayapan
“Good planning, good defence.”

“Prompt response, clear advice.”

“Strong with case strategy.”

Panupan Udomsuvannakul
“He has a very good service mind, patience, positive attitude in providing legal advice, quick understanding on any issue, is able to come up with a solution in time, and is a good team player.”

As one of the leading names in disputes globally, Herbert Smith Freehills in Thailand wins accolades from peers for its longstanding experience and stellar clientele. The practice focuses on commercial disputes and international arbitration in a range of industry sectors, including banking, mining, energy and construction, and technology, media and telecommunications. The team is respected by the market for its leading class action lawsuit expertise. The team remains active in supporting Japanese clients on disputes arising out of their inbound investments, operations and joint ventures in Thailand.

The disputes leaders are managing partner Warathorn Wongsawangsiri and senior consultant Chinnawat Thongpakdee. Both focus on general dispute resolution and international arbitration. The team hired senior associate Jedsarit Sahussarungsi from Weerawong C&P last year and more recently, welcomed partner Pariyapol Kamolsilp from Kudun and Partners. 

Client Feedback

Pariyapol Kamolsilp

“He has strong legal experience. In addition, he has a very good service mind and can facilitate the client's demands.”

Ilawasia was established in 2011 and features a dispute resolution group headed by managing partner Somphob Rodboon. The firm offers comprehensive litigation coverage, particularly in commercial, civil, intellectual property, international trade, labour and employment, and insolvency matters. The team is increasing its position in high-value real estate and construction disputes. The firm operates in Lao PDR and has an affiliate operation in Myanmar.

The firm recently acted for EMAC Inter as the claimant in an arbitration proceeding under the administration of the Thai Administration Institute against the respondent to pay damages on the breaking of contracts.

Client feedback
“I appreciate that the team summarises the case well and discusses all options with the client.” – Commercial arbitration

Teeruth Tangnu
“He is very responsive, willing to work hard, has good planning and tries to understand the case.”

Kudun and Partners’ well-rounded disputes offering comprises no less than 15 seasoned litigators who have acted before all levels of court, as well as in national and international arbitrations. Peers have noted the firm’s increasing visibility on high-stakes, large disputes. Clients range from domestic industry giants to overseas-based multinationals. The firm is experienced in complex commercial litigations and white-collar crime matters and regularly handles litigations and arbitrations related to construction and employment. During the research period, the firm remained busy on a range of disputes borne from business restructurings, rehabilitations and employment issues, and it added mandates related to defamation, class action lawsuits and financial products. Key clients include Advanced Info Service Public Company, Asia Wealth Securities, Big Camera, Digital Phone Company, LG Electronics, Mimo Tech, RHB Securities and Volvo Group. In the past 12 months, the disputes team gained East West Seed International, H Home, Thaicom, Major Development Public Company and Agilent Technologies as new clients. The four key partners of the dispute resolution practice are head Somboon Sangrungjang, along with Niruch Winiyakul, Emi Rowse and Kongwat Akaramanee.

In a recent cross-border highlight, the team acted for Zipmex Thailand in the moratorium process regarding an event under the Court of Singapore, and in dealing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand with respect to this same event. This case is highly significant in the country as it is the very first dispute for an SEC-authorised digital asset exchange platform that possesses an official licence and also involves a multi-jurisdictional moratorium process.

Client feedback
“The firm is excellent.” – Commercial and transactions

“They got great results for us.” – Construction

Emi Rowse
“She has a keen interest in clients' business and difficulties. It shows that she genuinely cares about the clients.”

LS Horizon has a respected dispute resolution practice led by two partners. It has a notable commercial and regulatory litigation track record that has included some of the country’s most high-profile commercial cases in the last decade. Key contacts at the firm are disputes partners Lersak Kancvalskul and Wanchai Yiamsamatha. The Stock Exchange of Thailand continues to instruct the team on several litigious mandates.

Client feedback
“The lawyers provide precise, practical and professional legal advice to suit our business needs and concerns.” – Commercial and transactions

“It gives solid legal advice and the team shares their expertise to find a way to make a settlement.” – Commercial and transactions

Wanchai Yiamsamatha
“He is a can-do, active listener, reachable and reasonable lawyer.”

“He always finds a good way for us. He gives efficient advice and can explain things in an easy way to understand.”

The sizable dispute resolution team at Rajah & Tann Thailand has the bench strength to handle important litigation. The firm boasts an experienced team of lawyers that covers the full spectrum of contentious Thai law matters, including civil, criminal and administrative litigation, domestic and international arbitration, government investigations, compliance proceedings and IP litigation. The team has a strong track record for shareholder disputes, professional negligence issues, trade matters, and restructuring and insolvency proceedings.

Seven experienced partners cover the full scope of disputes work across a range of practice areas and sectors. Led by senior partner Surasak Vajasit, the other key individuals are Supawat Srirungruang, Pakpoom Suntornvipat, Ittichai Prasongprasit, Chotiwit Ngamsuwan and Krida Phoonwathu. For trade and customs matters, deputy managing partner Melisa Uremovic is highly regarded.

Client feedback
“I work with Krida Phoonwathu and his team. They are excellent lawyers.” – Commercial arbitration

Krida Phoonwathu
“Technically excellent, very responsive and commercially savvy. He has a very calm demeanour and just radiates assurance. Gives you confidence that you are in safe hands.”

“As an expert witness, Krida was articulate, well prepared, very sound technically, and was generally far more impressive than the opposing expert. He was extremely easy to work with, and a very nice guy to boot.”

SCL Nishimura & Asahi is an alliance between Japanese firm Nishimura & Asahi and local outfit, SCL Group, an integration that was completed formally three years prior. The dispute resolution group has no less than seven dedicated litigation and arbitration lawyers, and is led by three partners. Its offering covers the full spectrum of disputes management and representation, from general commercial and labour disputes to international arbitration and tax dispute resolution. Notably, the firm has a respected contentious intellectual property practice.

Key figures for the firm’s dispute resolution practice are managing partner Chavalit Uttasart, and partners Vira Kammee and Punjaporn Kosolkitiwong. Counsel James Rix joined the team in early 2023, having previously worked at Kennedys and Mayer Brown.

In an example of the calibre of instructions the firm handles, the team is working with international co-counsel on two significant tort cases where a listed company is alleging the client filed several groundless lawsuits against it in Thailand and Singapore. The first case is pending before the Supreme Court, while the ruling in the second case could establish a precedent as to whether a listed company can bring a tort claim against an investor due to commencement of several allegedly frivolous and vexatious lawsuits against the company.

Regional powerhouse Tilleke & Gibbins is a firm of choice for international clients for dispute resolution in Thailand. From its commercial litigation strength to its prowess in contentious intellectual property, peers and clients acknowledge the firm’s presence at the top end of the league tables. It boasts more than 30 attorneys in the Bangkok office that specialise in litigation and alternative dispute resolution. In addition to Thai matters, the Bangkok team regularly advises on litigation throughout the region in collaboration with litigators based in the firm’s offices in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. The team is notable in the areas of arbitration, aviation, employment, energy, insurance, intellectual property, product liability, and trade and customs. The firm’s disputes client roster includes many global corporations and industry leaders.

Four partners and five counsels lead the sizable dispute resolution practice. The main contacts are the directors of dispute resolution, Chusert Supasitthumrong and John Frangos. Other key partners include Nuttaphol Arammuang and Suebsiri Taweepon.

The team continues to act for Lonsin Capital in a high-value cross-border litigation over bond dividends. The judgment was issued in the client’s favour and the opposing parties, the plaintiffs, have appealed. The team is also starring in a first-of-its-kind cryptocurrency dispute in Thailand.

Client feedback
“They are very meticulous and prepared a very good defence against charges brought against me. They are quite strategic in selecting witnesses. They made a wise decision not to call a key witness even though the witness was prepared as they felt his testimony may leave an opening for the plaintiff's lawyer to use against my defence.” – Labour and employment

“Smooth communications and pragmatic approach and progress.” – Commercial arbitration

Piyawat Vitooraporn
“He is very personal and takes good care of me whenever I am in Thailand. He proposes good strategies to handle my case. He always ensures someone will be available to chaperone me in case he is indisposed. He helps me relax and not stress over the case. Although he is positive that he can win the case he will still prepare me for the eventuality that something might go wrong in court. This keeps me mentally prepared. He prepares my witness statements very well and anticipates plaintiff lawyer's examination questions very well too.”

Widely heralded as a new top contender in the market for complex disputes work, TTT+Partners burst onto the scene in April 2023. It was established by three leading partners from Weerawong C&P, including dispute resolution specialist Pathorn Towongchuen, bringing three senior associates from the firm. The litigation and arbitration offering not only covers all manners of contentious commercial matters, it also boasts an experienced track record of tackling tricky government and regulatory disputes. The firm plans to open an additional office location in 2024. Senior partner Towongchuen is the key contact.

The team recently acted for Wizard Solutions, the parent company of cooking pan manufacturer Korea King, in a civil litigation matter against the Foundation for Consumers in a class action proceeding. This case is the first-ever class action lawsuit in Thailand and will establish standards and contribute to the development of court procedures for class action cases in the country.

Client feedback
“They developed a robust legal strategy, leveraging their expertise in advertising laws and class action suits. TTT & Partners professionally represented our company in court, presenting the evidence and arguments effectively to defend against the accusations made. Where necessary, they engaged in negotiations to reach settlements that were favourable to our company. On the most important issue, they provided guidance on compliance with advertising regulations to prevent future legal issues.” – Class actions

“They are strong on the technical knowledge and court procedure, and they are easy to work with because they are able to communicate advice in a practical manner by taking into account our business needs.” – Commercial and transactions

“Prompt and professional.” – Commercial and transactions

“An excellent firm.” – Commercial arbitration

“We are very satisfied with the TTT team as they are proactive and advise us on all options to be taken in the cases. We were successful in trial in defending both the claims filed against us, although the cases are now in the appeals process.” – Commercial arbitration

“The lawyers have a service mind and professional skills.” – Government and regulatory

“I appreciate the promptness of the lawyers, wonderful teamwork, and ability to explain the cases in different perspectives to clients clearly. They do not hesitate to provide all the details to clients, which leads to their understanding of the cases and results in winning the cases.” – Securities

“TTT+Partners has demonstrated its extensive experience in our lawsuit and provided excellent strategies in this case. They gathered every detail of information from relevant witnesses and supporting documents to support the case.” – Securities

“Delivered advice that mitigated potential future risks.” – Technology and telecommunications

“Perfect and very good services.” – Technology and telecommunications

“Excellent expertise.” – White-collar crime

“Good service attitude.” – White-collar crime

Yindee Limpives
“He did a good job providing legal professional advice, assisting on paperwork with the government, and negotiating with other units on behalf of the clients.”

“Prompt and professional.”

Nantinee Sunthonpimol
“She is a legal expert with extensive knowledge and delivers advice that mitigates potential future risks. When we are facing the problem, we ensure that she can navigate and resolve it.”

“She has been very helpful to us because she is technically strong, and she is able to quickly grasp the problems and tailor the advice to meet our business needs. She is also very easy to work with because she is able to communicate clearly and succinctly when providing advice.”

Pathorn Towongchuen
“He knows the accurate rules.”

“Our experience with Mr. Pathorn Towongchuen in navigating the complexities of the lawsuit was nothing short of professional. He was instrumental in guiding us actively through the legal maze, displaying a remarkable combination of vigour and expertise until we achieved a favourable verdict. The advocacy style of Mr. Pathorn was both inclusive and enlightening. He ensured we were well-informed of every step, providing various strategies and potential outcomes, which fostered a deep understanding and confidence in the process. Communication was a cornerstone of his service. His consistent updates and explanations were instrumental in our decision-making process, keeping us well-informed throughout the duration of the case. Furthermore, his professional appearance was commendable. Whether in meetings or in court, he and his team presented themselves with an impeccable demeanour that resonated with confidence and competence. Lastly, his problem-solving acumen and negotiation skills were exceptional. His sharpness in court was reassuring, affirming our belief that we were in capable hands.”

“He is a very talented lawyer with great intuition. He is very sharp in court and reacts well to spontaneous situations. He offers clients the best services and he is also able to manage his team extremely well.”

“He is very responsive, provides advice with in-depth knowledge with consideration of the business and regulation aspects.”

“Optimistic, reliable and responsive.”

“Very professional and efficient.”

“Very clear and supportive.”

“He provides valuable advice through quick and timely responses. He has a good knowledge of business and legal issues.”

“With his excellent commitment and deep understanding of our case, he was able to deliver the appropriate strategies and approaches in pursuing the litigation with the plaintiff. He always delivers the work before the time deadline, so we have more than sufficient time.”

Poonpat Vasupongpipat
“His responses are very good, fast, and perfect in every instance. He takes care of our cases with professionalism.”

Weerawong C&P’s litigation and arbitration practice complements its market-leading transactional offerings. The firm maintains its first-tier status for commercial and corporate disputes, as well as contentious government and regulatory, trade and customs, and employment matters. Its bench of seasoned litigators provides a comprehensive range of dispute resolution services before all court levels and global arbitration forums. The firm acts for clients across all industry sectors in both domestic and cross-border matters.

Senior counsel Phisit Dejchaiyasak leads the firm’s dispute resolution practice group, which includes partners Sakchai Limsiripothong, Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana, Natthida Pranutnorapal and Raweepun Pitakchatiwong. Partner Pathorn Towongchuen departed to co-found TTT+Partners.

The firm acted for Nirvana Daii in a cross-border commercial dispute related to a luxury condominium project in Bangkok.