Asia Business Law Journal names the country’蝉 top law firms. Lim Miran and Emeli Zu?o report.
As Thailand continues to evolve economically, its regulatory landscape has seen significant changes in the past year, reflecting a commitment to modernising legal and economic frameworks. Among key changes is the new Emergency Decree on Top-up Tax, which came into effect on 1 January 2025. The reform imposes a 15% tax on multinational enterprises, generating revenue of at least USD770 million.
Enterprises paying a corporate tax rate below this threshold in their home countries must pay the difference to either Thai tax authorities or their country’s tax body. This measure also ensures compliance with global tax standards and maintains Thailand’s international competitiveness.
In addition to fiscal reforms, Thailand has strengthened its legal provisions on data privacy and cybersecurity. In the past year, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) rolled out new regulations for digital advertising, while the Criminal Court introduced the Technology Crime Division to address tech-related offences.
Recently, under the Personal Data Protection Act, a private enterprise was fined THB7 million (USD208,184) for non-compliance, highlighting the importance of adhering to data privacy regulations.
Further, the Board of Investment (BOI) updated its list of promoted business activities to include data hosting services, aligning with Thailand’蝉 efforts to modernise its economy and attract foreign tech investment.
The Thai cabinet has also given the green light to the Financial Hub Act draft, aimed at making Thailand an international financial hub, drawing foreign investment and boosting job creation for locals. The act, overseen by a new committee under the finance ministry, paves the way for a new licensing system for specific financial businesses, including incentives.
Legislative developments are additionally making strides in the entertainment sector with the introduction of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which legalises casinos in specified areas. The bill mandates that legalised casinos operate within specific government-designated areas, aligning with strict legal frameworks. While private casinos remain generally prohibited, this bill opens a path for their legalisation through government concessions or the imposition of excise taxes on gambling operations.
In the real estate sector, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board has introduced new regulations governing condominium sales. The notification mandates that reservation contracts be drafted in Thai, including specific terms and conditions. It outlines key rights and clauses, such as termination rights, payment return conditions, and prohibiting clauses that limit operator liability or allow reservation payment confiscation without consumer default.
As these regulatory updates continue to shape business sectors in Thailand, Asia Business Law Journal presents the Thailand Law Firm Awards 2025, recognising the country’蝉 best legal practices.
We have identified five law firms as the best of the best, and from these one has stood out as Law Firm of the Year. We also recognise the Best Boutique Law Firm, the Best New Law Firm, and four winners of equal standing in each of 27 other categories.
- Law Firm of the Year
- Best Overall Law Firms
- Best Boutique Law Firm
- Best New Law Firm
- Arbitration & ADR
- Artificial Intelligence
- Aviation
- Banking & Finance
- Capital Markets
- Competition & Antitrust
- Compliance & Corporate Governance
- Corporate & Commercial
- Data Compliance & Cybersecurity
- Energy & Natural Resources
- ESG
- Fintech
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Infrastructure & Project Finance
- Insolvency & Restructuring
- Insurance & Reinsurance
- IP Litigation
- IP Prosecution
- Labour & Employment
- Litigation
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Real Estate
- Shipping & Maritime
- Structured Finance & Securitisation
- Taxation
- Technology, Media & Telecoms
Baker McKenzie has upheld its reputation as a leading law firm in Thailand, handling multiple legal and financial complexities with a team of 250 lawyers. Operating in its 47th year, the firm is pivotal for Thai companies, multinationals and financial institutions operating within the region.
The firm recently secured a THB50 billion (USD1.45 billion) green loan for One Bangkok, one of Thailand’蝉 largest private sector developments in the capital. This deal, a first of its kind involving five of Thailand’蝉 major banks, supports the environmentally sustainable One Bangkok project, a multi-purpose development valued at THB120 billion. The transaction is intricate due to the unique nature of the project, situated on land owned by the Crown Property Bureau of Thailand (CPB), the agency responsible for managing the King of Thailand’蝉 property.
In the corporate and commercial sector, the firm facilitated global chemical company INEOS Group’蝉 divestiture of its styrene polymer business in Thailand, stressing its capability in handling industrial sector deals.
Additionally, in the M&A arena, Baker McKenzie assisted the acquisition of Panasonic Automotive Systems in Samut Prakan by Apollo Fund, an American asset management firm based in New York, in a deal worth USD2 billion. The firm’蝉 M&A expertise was also instrumental in a USD110 million divestment of Hutchison Port Holdings, a private holding company of the Hong Kong port operator incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, enhancing trade links between Thailand and China through its port operations.
Pimpanga Yomchinda, senior vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle’蝉 Hotels & Hospitality Group, a global hospitality real estate company, commends Baker McKenzie, saying: “Baker McKenzie’蝉 team in Thailand consistently demonstrates unparalleled professionalism and responsiveness in hotel transactions.
“Their diligence in due diligence and commercial acumen in negotiations set them apart from other law firms. Their unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with their deep understanding of the hospitality sector, instils confidence in every deal. Baker McKenzie’蝉 expertise not only facilitates smooth transactions but also adds significant value to our projects, making them an indispensable partner in Thailand’蝉 dynamic hotel market.”
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
- WEERAWONG C&P
Chandler Mori Hamada marked a milestone last year, celebrating its 50th year of operations in Thailand. Alongside this was the promotion of Joseph Tisuthiwongse to co-managing partner, taking over from Jessada Sawatdipong, who assumes roles of senior partner and chairman. Tisuthiwongse is a qualified US lawyer with decades of experience working for leading international UK and US-based law firms.
In the aviation sector, Chandler Mori Hamada acted for lessors in agreements concerning all A350 aircraft and the majority of A321 leases for Thai Airways. This helped the carrier expand its fleet capacity post-rehabilitation. The firm has also represented the majority of lessors leasing aircraft to budget airlines Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air throughout 2024, indicating its strong presence in Thailand’蝉 aviation leasing space.
On the fintech front, Chandler Mori Hamada has been actively involved in several key projects. The firm is currently advising consumer electronics company Thai Samsung Electronics on the launch of its digital wallet application, which is designed for a range of smart devices. Further, Chandler Mori Hamada has been retained by Flow Account, a local fintech company in Bang Rak, advising on regulatory, personal data protection and e-payment matters.
Kudun and Partners, established in 2015, has recently provided legal support for several major transactions across various sectors. The firm represented Souer, an oil and gas product distributor and service provider in Phitsanulok, in its cross-border sale to INNIO Group, an international energy solution and service company headquartered in Jenbach, Austria. The firm facilitated the cross-border transaction, navigating regulatory hurdles and ensuring compliance throughout the process.
The firm also guided MPJ Logistics, a logistics service provider in Chonburi, through its IPO and subsequent listing on Thailand’蝉 Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) stock exchange. The IPO was launched with a submission to Thailand’蝉 Securities and Exchange Commission on 6 November 2024, aiming for an offering value of THB318 million (USD9.4 million). Their comprehensive legal services covered all aspects of IPO structuring and regulatory compliance, ensuring MPJ met the stringent listing requirements of the MAI.
In addition, Kudun and Partners represented an affiliate of B.Grimm Power Public Company, a multinational conglomerate in Bangkok, and Energy China, a Chinese state-owned energy entity, in securing a deal with Zhongce Rubber Thailand, a subsidiary of the Chinese tyre company, Zhongce Rubber. The project involves developing, installing and overseeing a 35MW solar rooftop system to power Zhongce Rubber’蝉 manufacturing plants in Thailand.
Tilleke & Gibbins, established in 1890, continues to excel in providing top-tier services. Recently, the firm was enlisted by Investor AB, an investment and holding company in Stockholm, to conduct a merger control analysis for its acquisition of additional shares in Swedish telecoms company Ericsson. The firm’蝉 antitrust and competition team provided expert legal counsel, focusing on Thailand’蝉 merger control laws and the unique challenges of acquiring shares in a foreign publicly listed company. Extensive research and experience with the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand, the competition regulator, enabled the team to offer comprehensive advisory services, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
In February 2025, Tilleke & Gibbins achieved a legal victory for Luckin Coffee, a Chinese coffee company, with Thailand’s Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court ruling in their favour. This decision affirmed Luckin Coffee’s rights to its trademark and logo, resolving a dispute that had previously hindered the company’蝉 operations in Thailand. The court recognised Luckin Coffee’s rightful ownership, ordered the cancellation of infringing trademarks, mandated a corporate name change for the defendants, and prohibited them from using the Luckin Coffee brand and logo. The court also awarded Luckin Coffee THB10 million (USD300,000) in historic damages, one of the highest amounts for trademark infringement in Thailand.
Weerawong C&P, with more than 100 legal professionals, advises prominent Thai and international corporations, financial institutions, government entities and investors on complex legal matters in Thailand, Southeast Asia and beyond.
The firm represented Dymon Asia Private Equity of Singapore in investing in TUSK Asia, a holding company for Arthit Ourairat Institution schools, a Thailand-based education group with locations in Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Rangsit. This joint venture involved the complete business transfer and share acquisition of local educational institutions Satit Bilingual School of Rangsit University, British International School Phuket, Satit International Bilingual School of Rangsit University Chiang Mai, and SBS Bangkok. The deal required strategic structuring and negotiations tailored to each of the four entities involved, and involved intricate legal, financial and regulatory considerations.
WE Intellectual Property (WE IP), founded in 2020, specialises in strategic IP solutions for businesses in Thailand and internationally. The firm is led by managing partner Saowaluck Lamlert, a practitioner in the Thai IP community with more than two decades of experience, and partner Tatchaporn Natprasertkul.
The firm has achieved success in securing victories for clients in the prosecution and enforcement of their IP rights, both at regulatory level and in court. A recent Supreme Court win against the Department of Intellectual Property secured the registrability of the “GOPRO” trademark for GOPRO, a technology company headquartered in California.
Beyond securing and protecting IP rights, WE IP also works closely with clients to commercialise their IP assets through licensing, franchising and rights transfers across various industries. Currently, the firm represents Thai hotel chain Siam@Siam in closing trademark licensing deals for its hotel services, restaurants and bars.
Ratchaphol Chantaratim, deputy CEO at Miss Grand International, an international beauty pageant franchise in Bangkok, applauds the firm: “WE Intellectual Property has been a trusted and reliable partner in managing intellectual property rights. Their expertise, efficiency and personalised service have made a significant impact on our ability to protect our brand globally.
“One impressive instance was their swift handling of a trademark dispute, allowing us to maintain our brand integrity without disruption. Their dedication and professionalism truly make them deserving of this recognition.”
Jirapat and Partners was founded by Jirapat Thammavaranucupt. Building on Jirapat’蝉 career – including leading roles at Weerawong C&P and later TTT+Partners, where he was pivotal in major project developments across Thailand – the firm brings a wealth of experience and insight.
The firm has played a key role in the development of the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport project, Thailand’蝉 first airport city and most valuable public-private partnership to date, addressing a myriad of legal challenges from contract management to special project relief.
Jirapat and Partners has also transitioned to assist clients with intricate transactional structuring, including advising STEC group companies on negotiations with project lenders and government project owners. This assistance extends to restructuring efforts and the formation of new project companies aimed at enhancing competitive bidding positions.
The firm has, meanwhile, bolstered its expertise by adding Piti Eiamchamroonlarp, an academic and regulatory expert in the energy sector, as a special adviser. A lecturer and director of the LLM international programme at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, he is contributing extensive knowledge and experience, including his involvement in revising the Thai Petroleum Act.
Jirapat and Partners is also set to open a new office around Bangkok’蝉 Silom area following renovations later this year.
Chayanit Pitukthammanart, legal counsel at Akara Resources, a mining company in Phichit, says Jirapat & Partners “has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and efficiency in handling our company’蝉 inquiries”.
“Their work is fast-paced yet highly meticulous, with in-depth research covering all relevant aspects,” says Pitukthammanart. “They are extremely detail-oriented and provide clear, direct, and high-level legal opinions – an essential quality that clients expect from a firm of their calibre. Their deep legal expertise and precision in analysis have earned our company’蝉 full trust in their capabilities.”
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
- WATSON FARLEY & WILLIAMS
- WEERAWONG C&P
Herbert Smith Freehills’ Bangkok office, established in 1998, provides comprehensive Thai litigation and regulatory services, complemented by a robust international dispute resolution offering. The practice, led by managing partner Warathorn Wongsawangsiri, is well versed in handling a broad spectrum of disputes. Warathorn has extensive experience guiding clients through the intricacies of Thai court litigation, domestic and international arbitration (via the TAI, THAC, ICC, SIAC and HKIAC), and mediation.
Recently, Herbert Smith Freehills boosted its Bangkok disputes team by welcoming Pariyapol Kamolsilp as a partner, bringing more than 16 years of legal experience, and focusing on domestic and international arbitration, particularly in construction-related disputes as well as insolvency and bankruptcy cases.
Established in 2001, the Bangkok office of Watson Farley & Williams boasts a robust dispute resolution and international arbitration practice in Thailand, renowned for managing high-value cases across global arbitration centres. Of recent note, the firm represented a Chinese state-owned construction company in a Hong Kong-seated HKIAC arbitration regarding payment and construction disputes at a luxury resort development in Phuket. While the team is “sector agnostic”, it has garnered a strong reputation in construction, energy, insurance and commodities disputes. Clients range from investment banks and large corporations to shipping lines and global energy firms, as well as insurers, reinsurers and litigation funders.
- DLA PIPER
- MAHANAKORN PARTNERS GROUP
- NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT
- SILK LEGAL
DLA Piper Bangkok has been operating since 2004, led by country managing partner Waranon (Warren) Vanichprapa. The firm provides legal support across the tech sector, particularly aiding clients in interpreting and navigating the complex landscape of AI technologies. DLA Piper clients range from FDA-designated innovative medical device makers to major financial and defence organisations.
The firm focuses on a comprehensive range of AI-related legal issues, including global AI regulation compliance, intellectual property strategies, and contracts for AI-enabled systems and services. DLA Piper also specialises in areas critical to the safe implementation of AI, such as data management, cybersecurity, and privacy laws, ensuring clients are prepared against potential legal, operational and ethical risks.
Mahanakorn Partners Group (MPG) offers guidance on navigating the regulatory landscape of AI, with a particular emphasis on ethical adoption and compliance strategies that align with Thailand’蝉 regulatory environment and global best practices. MPG leverages AI-powered tools for contract reviews, legality assessments, compliance checks and due diligence processes, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy. Founded in 1999, initially as Vimami Consulting, the firm underwent reorganisation in 2016 and today has a diverse team of professionals including seasoned lawyers, chartered accountants, auditors and international business consultants catering to a wide range of legal, financial and consulting needs.
Norton Rose Fulbright possesses expertise in technology transactions, represented by partner Teerin Vanikieti, a corporate, M&A and securities lawyer based in Bangkok. Vanikieti has experience handling intricate cross-border and domestic deals within various high-impact sectors, including technology, transport, telecoms, biotechnology, energy, infrastructure, financial institutions and consumer markets.
This international law firm, under the leadership of partner Tassanai Kiratisountorn, has an established presence in Bangkok and delivers specialised legal advice on Thai law concerning investment matters. With a focus on financial institutions and the infrastructure sector, the Bangkok office functions with other key Asia-Pacific offices, ensuring broad coverage across Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.
Silk Legal assisted Ceti AI, a pioneering company in decentralised AI in London, with its global structuring and legal framework. The firm’蝉 role included advising on Web3 legal frameworks, including decentralised governance and smart contract considerations, and drafting and reviewing traditional Web3 contracts to ensure seamless integration between blockchain-based and conventional business models.
At the helm of Silk Legal is founder and managing partner Jason Corbett, a legal expert with a track record of representing leading web3 companies instrumental in transforming various domains such as e-commerce, digital transactions, online gaming and banking.
His experience extends to working with notable entities in the industry including launchpads, protocols, exchanges, virtual asset service providers (VASPs), decentralised applications (dApps), and platforms specialising in digital wealth management.
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
- WATSON FARLEY & WILLIAMS
- A&O SHEARMAN
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- LINKLATERS
- SRPP
In recent banking and finance deals, A&O Shearman advised the Asian Development Bank (ADB), headquartered in Metro Manila, and six other development finance institutions on a substantial USD820 million loan to Gulf Renewable Energy, a renewable energy company with offices in Thailand and Germany. The funding is purposed for developing a 12-project renewable energy portfolio in Thailand.
The firm also represented joint mandated lead arrangers, underwriters and bookrunners in a USD500 million syndicated term loan facility provided to Indorama Ventures, a manufacturing company in Laguna. The move was part of Indorama’蝉 strategic refinancing of its upcoming USD1.1 billion maturities, aimed at bolstering liquidity, enhancing the company’蝉 financial structure, and broadening its financing base.
A&O Shearman’蝉 Bangkok office is led by managing partner Suparerk Auychai, who specialises in M&A, capital markets, corporate finance and securities law.
In January 2025, Linklaters advised Netherlands finance company Delta International on a USD525 million zero coupon exchangeable bond issuance. The deal was one of the largest Thai equity-linked transactions in recent years, involving shares of Delta Electronics (Thailand), an electronics company in Phraeksa. Linklaters has been present in Thailand since 1998, and is an integral part of the UK firm’蝉 wider Asean network, which also includes offices in Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. The Bangkok office advises on a diverse range of practice areas including banking, projects, acquisitions, real estate finance and capital markets.
SRPP celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, having developed a presence in the Thai legal market and distinguishing itself by providing tailored legal advice on complex transactions, especially those that span borders. The firm’蝉 banking and finance practice is led by founding partner Passawan Navanithikul. One testament to her work is her advisory role guiding Bangkok Bank on a THB25 billion (USD743 million) credit facility provided to Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand. This financing supported Bangkok Bank’蝉 equity investment in CP Retail, a convenience store operator across Thailand, to acquire supermarket Tesco Stores in Thailand and Malaysia. The entire deal is valued at about THB336.4 billion.
- A&O SHEARMAN
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- LINKLATERS
- THANATHIP & PARTNERS
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
- WEERAWONG C&P
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- MAHANAKORN PARTNERS GROUP
- PISUT & PARTNERS
- WAROT ADVISORY SERVICES
Pisut & Partners has recently undertaken significant projects in the areas of compliance and corporate governance, and is conducting a comprehensive audit of Thai Honda’蝉 manufacturing processes in Prakan to ensure the company’蝉 adherence to more than 15 key statutes and associated regulations in Thailand. In another major initiative, the firm has partnered with multinational Amazon.com in revamping its global compliance programmes, with a focus on aligning Amazon’蝉 operations with a wide range of Thai laws and regulations.
Pisut & Partners is a member of the International Law Firms (ILF) association, and is currently in the process of integrating with Dentons, the world’蝉 largest global law firm. The alliance recognises the firm’蝉 expertise in areas including dispute resolution, corporate/M&A, employment and competition, and antitrust, and enables Pisut & Partners to ensure clients have a cohesive and comprehensive approach via collaboration with Dentons offices worldwide.
Warot Advisory Services successfully represented Bangkok property developer Alpha Industrial Solutions in securing a long-term lease agreement with a premier auto company. On another front, Warot also assisted in facilitating a shareholder’蝉 agreement between KPN Senior Hospital in Bangkok and Innosprout Ventures, an investment arm of Pruksa Holding, to propel KPN’蝉 Chersery Home into a broader market reach within Bangkok and its surrounding areas. Both transactions were spearheaded by managing partner Warot Wanakankowit.
Gengpong Tangaroonsanti, CEO at KPN Senior Hospital, praises the firm. “Warot specialises in providing legal consulting services for M&A ensuring that clients can access our expertise with convenience, speed and flexibility,” he says. “It prioritises a client-friendly approach and tailors our consultation schedules to suit their needs, resulting in efficient deal closures within the expected timeframe.”
Warot offers services including assistance with company formation, navigating licensing and permit requirements, and expertise in commercial contract negotiations and licence agreements.
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- WEERAWONG C&P
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- FORMICHELLA & SRITAWAT
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
Formichella & Sritawat facilitated the issuance of the first Internet of Things (IoT) Type 1 telecoms licence in Thailand, an achievement procured on behalf of a client and accepted by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC). This milestone sets a precedent for future IoT Type 1 licence applications, aligning with NBTC standards and promoting the integration of IoT technologies across various sectors.
In addition, the firm recently advised a major European airline on revising data privacy practices compliant with Thai laws. The firm also provided counsel to a property developer in Phuket on implementing data privacy standards in their marketing and sales campaigns. Expanding beyond these sectors, Formichella & Sritawat provided legal guidance to a Nasdaq-listed Fortune 100 company concerning satellite service provision and the construction and operation of data centres in Thailand.
In a recent energy deal, Hunton acted as both US and Thai acquisition counsel for Electricity Generating Public Company (EGCO) in Thailand regarding its acquisition of a 50% membership interest in a portfolio of three operating gas-fired combined-cycle gas turbine electricity generation facilities in the northeast of the US. This acquisition includes Pennsylvania energy power station Marcus Hook Energy and two other energy power stations, Milford Power in Connecticut, and Dighton Power in Massachusetts.
Hunton also served as local counsel to SDIC Mining, a holding company in Beijing, in acquiring a controlling interest in a major potash mine in Udon Thani, northern Thailand. The mining rights for this project were granted to the Asia-Pacific Potash Corporation (APPC), a subsidiary of Italian-Thai Development. The sale of the stake is being conducted through a competitive bidding process managed by APPC.
Hunton has a team of more than 30 lawyers in Bangkok providing top-tier legal advice that aligns with international standards. The firm has also bolstered its practice with the addition of internationally recognised energy and infrastructure partner, Kristian Bradshaw, from White & Case.
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
- WEERAWONG C&P
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- KPMG LAW THAILAND
- TTT+PARTNERS
In the fintech sector, TTT+Partners successfully represented a high-profile foreign cryptocurrency investor defrauded by a local Thai family, claiming access to profitable investments in various sectors across Thailand and Macau. TTT+Partners helped the client, who transferred more than THB700 million (USD20.8 million) in cryptocurrency, secure a conviction against the fraudsters resulting in six years imprisonment for each, and the successful recovery of all forfeited assets amounting to THB700 million.
Additionally, TTT+Partners represented a Thai investor group involved in a securities scam amounting to USD140 million. The case was characterised by fraudulent transactions across multiple jurisdictions employing fintech tools such as securities lending and trust transactions. The firm uncovered the scheme and successfully secured an emergency injunction, averting losses exceeding USD100 million. TTT+Partners strengthened its team in 2024 by recruiting top-tier professionals from firms such as Linklaters, Baker McKenzie, Weerawong C&P, and Kudun and Partners.
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- ILAWASIA
- LEXEL IP
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
ILAWASIA is undertaking legal due diligence and advisory services for the proposed IPO of Skin Laboratory, a skincare company in Nonthaburi working towards offering its shares to the public and being listed on the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI). The firm has expanded its presence in Southeast Asia by launching ILAW Singapore in October 2024 as part of its growth strategy.
In the past year, LEXEL IP has shown its commitment to public health by assisting both government and private organisations in protecting innovations in healthcare and life sciences.
A key victory for LEXEL involved registering a healthcare product directly for government procurement in Thailand, underscoring the firm’蝉 ability to streamline processes for client benefit.
LEXEL works closely with professionals in academia and research to secure patents for breakthroughs including mRNA vaccines, stem cell therapies, and other significant medical technologies. Services range from patent drafting to international filings, with attention to data privacy compliance essential for healthtech innovations. Clients include top medical schools and research facilities in Thailand, as well as a significant research institute and a national charity focused on public health.
The firm also aids spin-offs and startups in leveraging their IP through licensing and technology transfers. These efforts include conducting FTO analyses, navigating international patent filings, and crafting agreements pivotal to IP and technology licensing.
- A&O SHEARMAN
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- DFDL
- RAJAH & TANN
At the helm of DFDL’蝉 Thai practice is David Doran, the firm’s founding partner, who brings particular expertise in the energy sector. He has played a key role in representing both developers and financial institutions in numerous high-profile renewable energy projects across Southeast Asia, including advising on almost 20 hydropower projects valued at more than USD15 billion in Laos.
Similarly, Audray Souche, the firm’蝉 regional managing partner, has more than two decades of experience in commercial and foreign investment matters, with a special focus on energy, mining and infrastructure projects throughout Southeast Asia. Souche’蝉 leadership has guided DFDL teams in facilitating significant energy and infrastructure developments, project finance, and technical assistance across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam and Bhutan.
Since its establishment in 2005, DFDL’蝉 Bangkok office has provided legal and tax services to clients in Thailand, ranging from small and medium enterprises to multinational corporations and major Thai banks.
Among notable recent deals, Rajah & Tann advised Singapore-based banks DBS Bank, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, HSBC Singapore, United Overseas Bank, and RHB Bank in Kuala Lumpur on a USD200 million placement for Keppel Infrastructure Trust, an infrastructure business trust listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Serving as joint lead managers, bookrunners and underwriters for the placement, this complex transaction was managed by a cross-border team from Rajah & Tann Singapore, Kuala Lumpur law firm Christopher & Lee Ong, and Rajah & Tann Thailand. The team was led by partners Raymond Tong and Jasselyn Seet in Singapore; Annette Soh and Daphne Lam in Malaysia; and Dussadee Rattanopas and Jantapa Erjongmanee in Thailand.
Rajah & Tann recently made changes to its leadership structure by appointing Melisa Uremovic and Supawat Srirungruang as co-managing partners, effective from August 2024.
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- WEERAWONG C&P
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- DLA PIPER
- SIAM PREMIER
- WEERAWONG C&P
Siam Premier has been leveraging its specialised knowledge in insurance and established connection with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to guide clients through regulatory nuances and tech innovations. Recent high-profile assignments in the insurance sector included advising a UK-based health insurance leader during the significant THB2.17 billion (USD64.5 million) sale of its Thai subsidiary, and handling vendor due diligence for one of Thailand’s largest health insurers, which included counsel on corporate structuring.
Siam Premier also played a key role in the THB17.5 billion share acquisition by a global life insurance company of a life insurance subsidiary belonging to a Stock Exchange of Thailand-listed bank. The firm provided critical advice on the acquisition process and ensuing bancassurance agreement.
- ANANDA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
- LAWPLUS
- LEXPERTISE LAW FIRM
- RWT INTERNATIONAL LAW OFFICE
In recent transactions, Ananda Intellectual Property (Ananda IP) successfully reversed an initial rejection of the trademark for “BLACKPINK”, a world renowned girl group based in South Korea. Despite the marks being initially filed at the band’蝉 debut in 2016, and rejected for lack of distinctiveness, Ananda IP’蝉 efforts led to successful registration, demonstrating the firm’蝉 capability in handling high-profile and complex IP cases.
In another case, the firm represented Exclusive Intertrade Corporation, a textile and clothing company in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand, against opposition from Italian motorcycle manufacturer Benelli and Milan tyre manufacturer Pirelli, challenging registration of the “Penelli” mark. The firm effectively appealed to the Trademark Board of Thailand, which ultimately ruled that “Penelli” was not confusingly similar to the claimant’蝉 marks, leading to its registration. Furthermore, when Pirelli attempted to cancel the newly registered “Penelli” mark, Ananda IP defended successfully, securing the mark’蝉 standing.
The firm is managed by a diverse team of Thai, American and European partners, and specialises in IP with both regional and international expertise.
LawPlus, led by founding partner Kowit Somwaiya and partner Prasantaya Bantadtan, has been leading the case for a major Thai energy drink company, engaging in five distinct legal confrontations. The firm’蝉 casework includes a mix of civil and criminal litigation, targeting both a Thai-Chinese company within Thailand’蝉 jurisdiction, and a broader coalition of Chinese companies operating in Thailand and China. With an IP team of seven members, including two seasoned litigators, LawPlus has showcased its legal proficiency and resolve in handling IP disputes at both domestic and international levels.
LawPlus notably extended its legal expertise to a Thai enterprise involved in the import and distribution of cocoa powder for industrial, grocery and confectionery utilisation. When faced with a 3D mark infringement allegation, LawPlus not only responded to the demand notice on behalf of their client, but also actively pursued negotiations to reach an amicable settlement.
Lexpertise Law Firm has worked in various cases in dispute resolution through litigation, arbitration and mediation in the past year.
Among recent activities is a significant case involving a luxury condominium juristic person accused of violating a trademark licensing agreement, as well as trade name and service mark infringement. This complex case brings into focus critical legal questions about the demarcation between trade names, trademarks (both registered and unregistered), and the stipulations of related contracts. A pivotal element in this litigation is the examination of trade name provisions outlined in Thailand’蝉 Civil and Commercial Code, and determination of the trademark licensing agreement’蝉 validity and enforceability. With proceedings still underway, the Court of Appeal is anticipated to deliver its verdict in 2025.
RWT International Law Office has broadened its legal services scope by integrating corporate and litigation divisions into its already established expertise in IP. The firm successfully mitigated potential damages in an IP litigation case involving copyright dispute over academic content. The case centred on a client who, after attending a palmistry course, unknowingly used copyrighted lecture notes from the course in a book they subsequently published. Despite the initial claim for THB4 million (USD119,000) for alleged copyright infringement, RWT argued the generic nature of the content and managed to settle the case through mediation for THB200,000.
The firm is also currently representing a client against a claim from an academic institution regarding a terminated franchise agreement. The plaintiff alleges that the client owes franchise fees, and accuses them of unauthorised use of a service mark. RWT’蝉 strategy includes highlighting legal discrepancies, such as the plaintiff’蝉 lack of trademark enforcement rights, and disputing the claimed financial obligations.
- DOMNERN SOMGIAT & BOONMA
- ILCT
- SATYAPON & PARTNERS LIMITED
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
Domnern Somgiat & Boonma (DS&B) has been a force in shaping Thailand’蝉 IP sector since its establishment in 1947. Currently comprising nearly 130 IP professionals, the firm maintains its reputation as a top-tier IP firm by being a top filer with the Department of Intellectual Property. The firm’蝉 commitment to leadership and expertise in IP was highlighted in January 2025 with the promotion of Juthatip Vejsureeyakul, widely regarded as a leading expert in intellectual property law, to partner.
With more than 22 years at DS&B, Vejsureeyakul now leads the specialised team focusing on trademark oppositions, cancellations and appeals against refusals. The move strengthens the firm’蝉 leadership structure, complementing four other partners spearheading IP prosecution: Chakrapat Mongkolsit and Prabjote Busdee, focused on patents and designs, alongside Apiwatt Kongsoowan and Nathapong Tongkaew, specialising in trademarks.
In the past year, 滨尝颁罢’蝉 trademark and patent prosecution practices have seen growth, driven by an influx of new clients and an increase in applications and instructions handled. To accommodate this rising demand, the firm has expanded its team by recruiting several qualified trademark attorneys and patent specialists from various technical fields.
For domestic trademark and patent prosecution, ILCT primarily serves foreign clients seeking to protect their IP rights in Thailand. Internationally, the firm assists Thailand’蝉 leading companies from various industries in securing IP protection abroad. By managing extensive global IP portfolios for prominent Thai companies, ILCT supports their efforts to expand into new markets and export their products and services overseas.
Satyapon & Partners Limited’蝉 IP enforcement work was particularly active, as it worked closely with multiple law enforcement agencies including the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation, the Customs Department and other agencies to conduct raid actions and seize millions of dollars’ worth of counterfeit goods at various locations across the country.
The seized counterfeit items included luxury fashion products such as handbags, accessories, glasses, watches, fake cosmetics and counterfeit drugs. Last year, the firm conducted and co-ordinated over 1,000 raid actions. The firm’蝉 founder, Sachdecha Satyapon’蝉 contributions to the IP Law Development Committee for the Thai Ministry of Commerce and role as an appointed IP expert to the Trademark Board of Thailand helped equip the firm with a deep understanding of the IP legal framework.
- KPMG LAW THAILAND
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- PISUT & PARTNERS
- SCL NISHIMURA
KPMG Law Thailand’蝉 labour and employment practice group has marked a series of accomplishments in the past year. Recent labour and employment cases have included: delivering customised employment contract advice and developing internal work rules for Feiliks Supply Chain Management, a logistics company based in Jiangsu, China; ensuring smooth labour relations and compliance for Mitsui Hygiene Materials, a non-woven fabric manufacturer in Pluak Daeng, northwestern Thailand; and providing crucial HR advisory services during a high-profile M&A deal for record company Universal Music (Thailand).
SCL Nishimura & Asahi continues to handle employment matters including advising on terminations, supporting employment aspects of M&A deals, conducting workplace investigations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The team’蝉 expertise also extends to advising on major developments such as workforce restructuring, navigating the implications of legislation like the Marriage Equality Act, and adapting to changes in remote work regulations under the Labour Protection Act. The firm serves a varied clientele from manufacturers and retailers to financial institutions and multinational corporations, covering all facets of labour and employment law.
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- IAS ADVISORY
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- WEERAWONG C&P
IAS Advisory’蝉 litigation department has been particularly active, engaging in cases that not only seek substantial financial compensation but also challenge unfair business practices and contractual injustices. A recent case involved pursuing a THB250 million (USD7.4 million) compensation claim against a prominent oil exploration company for unjust contract termination.
IAS Advisory has also taken on a complex VAT fraud case involving forged invoices worth more than THB120 million. Presently, the firm is managing a major case related to fraudulent home construction contracts, with damages exceeding THB60 million.
- A&O SHEARMAN
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- LINKLATERS
- WEERAWONG C&P
- BH2I
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- PISUT & PARTNERS
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
BH2I is an Asia-Pacific-centred consulting and legal firm with offices in Singapore and Bangkok specialising in corporate, real estate and hospitality law. The firm is led by founder Benjamin Hirasawa, whose focus is advising on foreign direct investments, M&A and the strategic management of large-scale property assets. Established by a team with roots in leading global law firms such as Clyde & Co, DLA Piper and Rajah & Tann, BH2I is known for its expertise in specialised sectors including property funds, timeshare, fractional ownership, REITs and branded residences.
- BLUMENTHAL RICHTER & SUMET
- CHANDLER MORI HAMADA
- IAS ADVISORY
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (BRS) specialise in guiding multinational corporations, institutional investors, private equity funds, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs through the intricacies of real estate and construction transactions.
Their advice encompasses hotel and resort development, condominiums, residential and mixed-use property development, as well as industrial acquisitions, construction loans and financing.
The firm also handles real estate workouts, restructurings and dealings with distressed assets, ensuring clients achieve their commercial goals across various types and classes of real estate assets.
- JTJB
- RAJAH & TANN
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
- WATSON FARLEY & WILLIAMS
JTJB’蝉 shipping and maritime team provides advice to stakeholders in the maritime industry including P&I Clubs, ship owners, charterers, terminal operators, logistics companies and other cargo interests. JTJB has established a name in the industry for expertise in efficiently managing disputes in both domestic courts and international arbitration. The firm also represents companies in matters related to affreightment contracts. Operating in Bangkok since 2005, the firm is led by managing partner Naiyachon Tathong, who brings expertise in shipping and maritime. The specialist firm handles a range of maritime disputes including charterparty claims, demurrage claims, bunker claims and cargo claims, as well as the arrest and release of vessels. Beyond dispute resolution, they cover transactional projects such as vessel registration, ship flagging, logistics, freight forwarder contracts and international trade transactions.
- A&O SHEARMAN
- BAKER MCKENZIE
- HUNTON
- LINKLATERS
- DFDL
- KPMG LAW THAILAND
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- LAWALLIANCE
Recent successes for LawAlliance include defending a Thai subsidiary against the Thai Revenue Department’蝉 assessment for withholding tax on royalties for offshore services, arguing the services were general management, not transfer of know-how. The Tax Appeal Committee ruled in favour of the client, showcasing LawAlliance’蝉 ability to deliver favourable outcomes.
Another victory involved a Thai subsidiary of a Japanese insurance group, assessed for reversed-charge VAT on reinsurance commission. LawAlliance’蝉 representation led to a precedent-setting court ruling in favour of the client, impacting the insurance industry. Since its establishment in 2002, the firm has provided up-to-date insights on structured finance, securitisation and transfer pricing, as well as corporate restructuring, transaction structuring and tax planning for investments.
- ANDERSON MORI & TOMOTSUNE
- FORMICHELLA & SRITAWAT
- KUDUN AND PARTNERS
- TILLEKE & GIBBINS
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (AMT) is actively engaged in the TMT sector, providing up-to-date legal and regulatory advice to help clients navigate management strategies, domestic and international collaborations, M&A, and reorganisations. AMT reinforced its presence in the Southeast Asian legal market with the foundation of its Bangkok office in 2016. AMT’蝉 Bangkok team comprises both Japanese and Thai-qualified lawyers who collaborate with esteemed local firms when specialised local knowledge is required. Apart from offering services to Japanese clientele, the office also guides Thai companies looking to invest in Japan in areas such as capital and real estate investment. The office facilitates transactions in nearby countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, widening the scope of its legal expertise in the Asean region
THE JUDGING PROCESS
Winners of Asia Business Law Journal’蝉 Thailand Law Firm Awards 2025 were selected based on votes, references and qualitative information received from in-house counsel and other legal professionals in Thailand and around the world.
A voting form was posted on our website, inviting thousands of in-house counsel, lawyers at international law firms and other Thailand-focused professionals to vote. At the same time, Thai law firms were asked to make submissions in support of their candidacy for the awards.
These submissions, combined with research by Asia Business Law Journal’蝉 editorial team, played a supporting role in the judging process.
All Thai law firms were automatically eligible for inclusion in the awards process. As always, there were no fees or any other requirements for entry.




























