Unlike litigation, mediation and arbitration are generally conducted outside of court. They are usually more flexible and quicker to settle disputes.
Mediation is also increasingly popular in Thailand. It is now a common feature of most commercial contracts in the country, and can be arranged before or after the dispute arises.
DLA Piper
With lawyers located throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, DLA Piper is well positioned to help clients meet their business needs worldwide. The firm’s core practices include corporate and finance; employment; government affairs; intellectual property; and litigation and arbitration.
The firm’s notable insurance practice features experienced practitioners in both transactional work and contentious matters. The group, headed by partner Peter Shelford, acts for domestic and international insurers and reinsurers, including ACE Life, in high-end disputes. Its team also includes recently promoted Don Rojanapenkul, who ‘has excellent technical knowledge of high-end disputes’.
The team advises on M&A transactions and private equity investments, particularly those involving TMT companies. Its recent highlights include representing private equity fund sponsor Capital Square Partners on the acquisition financing of CSS Corp and acting as co-counsel to Korean Re in a complex quota share reinsurance treaty dispute with Thai Reinsurance PCL (Thai Re). The team is experienced in advising on cross-border insurance mandates.
Siam Premier International Law Office Limited
A full-service law firm, Siam Premier is frequently entrusted to handle the broad spectrum of corporate transactions and disputes in Thailand. Its lawyers advise both local and international clients on the whole range of domestic and cross-border legal matters, including banking and project financing, capital markets, corporate M&A, energy and natural resources, insurance, investment management and litigation.
Led by senior partner Suraphon Rittipongponchusit, who was previously head of the Bangkok office at Kennedys, the firm’s renowned insurance and Thailand dispute resolution practice is further strengthened by four additional hires from that firm. Rittipongponchusit has extensive experience in contentious insurance claims and subrogation proceedings, and in bankruptcy-related proceedings.
Other members of the team include Rawat Chomsri, who advises on power station projects and investment agreements, and Chatchavej Chitvarakorn, who has expertise in construction and infrastructure mandates, PPPs and regulatory issues.
Chandler MHM Limited
Chandler MHM Limited (CMHM) specializes in dispute resolution both litigation and arbitration. The firm represents local and foreign clients in a variety of business transactions. This includes commercial contract, construction, labour and employment, insurance, restructuring and insolvency, real estate and wrongful act matters.
The firm was established in 1974 and integrated with Mori Hamada & Matsumoto on 1 January 2017 to offer synergies of best-in-class Thai and international legal services. CMHM’s ‘diligent and practical’ multidisciplinary practice advises creditors on debt rehabilitation mandates, particularly in the aviation and manufacturing sectors. Banking and finance expert Joseph Tisuthiwongse heads the team, which is complemented by Waree Shinsirikul and Nathee Silacharoen. The firm also handles insurance-related disputes and regulatory matters. The firm’s client roster includes global synthesis and specialty ingredients, hand grinder manufacturers and telecommunications companies.
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited
The firm provides a full spectrum of legal services, including advising clients on complying with the requirements of specific Thai laws and regulations (for example, restrictions on foreign business participation). It assists international companies in obtaining Board of Investment promotion and foreign business licenses. It also structures and negotiates international transactions.
Other practice areas include advising on customs and trade matters, and the handling of government investigations, compliance and other regulatory matters. Its customs and trade team is led by Surasak Vajasit, who has experience in representing clients on challenges to the government’s decision-making. Other members of the team are Melisa Uremovic and Pakpoom Suntornvipat.
The firm has recently launched an intellectual property practice, which will assist domestic and regional clients in the full suite of IP services. The new IP practice will be led by Nuttaphol Arammuang.
Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited
Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited is a leading international law firm with a thriving dispute resolution practice. Its team comprises experienced practitioners who combine local expertise with global experience and a comprehensive service for domestic and multinational clients.
The Bangkok office’s cross-practice group advises insurance and reinsurance companies on breach of contract claims, tort matters and defending insureds in civil court proceedings. The group is led by Kay Kian Tan, who represents insurers and reinsurers on a range of commercial disputes, and Alan Polivnick, who operates from the firm’s Sydney office.
The team’s multidisciplinary practice also advises on construction and engineering disputes. Christopher Osborne leads the team on due diligence issues arising out of energy projects, and Steven Burkill handles renewable power disputes.