Kudun and Partners has strengthened its capabilities through the integration of corporate and capital markets law firm Manunya & Associates, with founder Manunya Thitinuntawan joining as a partner alongside her team.
The Bangkok-based firm has also launched a Vietnam practice, to be led by newly appointed counsel Krissen Pillay.
The founder of Manunya & Associates Limited, Thitinuntawan brings more than 25 years of experience in complex M&A and equity capital markets transactions, including IPOs and regulatory matters on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, as well as cross-border and multi-jurisdictional deals.
At Kudun and Partners, she will be part of the corporate and capital markets practice, and advise on IPOs, M&A transactions, corporate restructurings and other strategic transactions.
“This integration is the result of a long-term strategic alignment rather than a transaction driven by timing or market conditions. Discussions and planning have been underway for quite some time, as bringing together two established practices requires careful co-ordination – not only in terms of legal expertise and client service approach, but also culture, people and long-term vision,” Kudun Sukhumananda, the founding partner of Kudun and Partners, told Asia Business Law Journal.
“Khun Manunya Thitinuntawan, or ‘Khun Cherry’ as she is widely known in the market, is one of Thailand’s most respected corporate and capital markets practitioners, with close to three decades of experience advising on some of the country’s most significant transactions. Over the years, she has built not only an outstanding reputation for technical excellence, but also deep and longstanding relationships with clients who continue to rely on her strategic judgement and commercial insight.”
Pillay joins from Vietnamese law firm YKVN, where he spent more than six years and most recently served as counsel. He is also experienced in South African law, having previously worked at Bowmans in Johannesburg and Werksmans Attorneys in Cape Town.
He focuses on M&A, corporate and banking and finance matters, with expertise in Thai and broader Southeast Asian investment into Vietnam.
“His appointment enhances the firm’s ability to support clients navigating increasingly international and multi-jurisdictional transactions, particularly as investment flows between Thailand, Vietnam and the wider Asean region continue to grow,” Kudun said.
“He will work closely with Thai, regional and international clients investing into Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese businesses exploring opportunities across Southeast Asia.”
Despite the launch of its Vietnam practice, Kudun confirmed the firm has no plans to establish a physical presence in the jurisdiction.
“At this stage, Kudun and Partners has no plans to establish a physical office in Vietnam. Our focus is on strengthening our Vietnam-focused capabilities through our international practice and continuing to support clients on cross-border transactions and investments involving Vietnam. We have long worked closely with leading Vietnamese law firms and continue to believe that top local firms are best placed to advise on Vietnamese law matters,” he said.
