Praised as ‘the pre-eminent international arbitration practice in Thailand’, Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited works across several industry sectors, but stands out for its expertise in transport, energy and real estate, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s international network to advise on multi-jurisdictional cases, with procedural knowledge in Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Singapore, and Sydney. Practice leader Steven Burkill has demonstrable experience in London and Asia-based arbitrations, involving oil and gas, power and large-scale projects, and has sat as an arbitrator in the ICC, SIAC and TAI. The team also counts on the expertise of Kay Kian Tan, who acts for clients across the power and energy, international trade, transport and insurance sectors, and Ratthakarn Boonnua, who ‘has a sizeable international arbitration practice’.

Counting multinational corporations and state-owned entities among its key roster of clients, Baker McKenzie LLP’s team manages the entire arbitral process, from developing the case to appearing as counsel in local courts and enforcing or challenging the award, as well as representing appeals. The practice is led by Wynn Pakdeejit, who has experience advising on construction litigation and arbitration, in addition to compliance and anti-corruption cases, while Pisut Attakamol has represents clients in the Thai Arbitration Institute, ICC and SIAC. Suksawat Watewai is another key contact in the team.

With experience at the TAI, SIAC, ICC and LCIA, DLA Piper has expertise in applying to stay proceedings brought in breach of arbitration clauses, as well as enforcing and resisting the enforcement of arbitral awards. The team is led by Don Rojanapenkul, who handles large-scale arbitration cases concerning construction and real estate. Robert Tang was promoted to partner in May 2022 and focuses his arbitration practice on cross-border insurance claims, energy and construction-related disputes. Senior consultant Peter Shelford, who has experience across the insurance and construction sectors, remains a key contact in the team.

According to one client, Herbert Smith Freehills (Thailand) Limited ‘have taken the international arbitration scene in Bangkok by storm’. The integrated practice frequently leverages the firm’s international presence and collaborates with offices in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Singapore to act for clients across the ASEAN region in international arbitration proceedings. The team, which has experience across the telecoms and technology, energy and infrastructure, and banking and finance sectors, is led by Chinnawat Thongpakdee, who has advised on TAI and ICC disputes. Warathorn Wongsawangsiri, whose arbitration practice includes shareholders disputes, compliance projects and commercial disputes, is another key contact.

Counting listed companies, SMEs, domestic and international reinsurers, local authorities and central government organisations among its key roster of clients, Kennedys has handles high-end international arbitrations, with notable experience across the hospitality and insurance sectors. In addition to its expertise in litigation and arbitration proceedings, the team is also well-placed to handle alternative forms dispute resolution, such as mediation, neutral evaluation, expert determination and adjudication. Practice leader Ian Johnston has experience of arbitrations in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and the UK, and advises on contentious insurance matters, while consultant Suraphon Rittipongchusit’s arbitration practice includes bankruptcy and restructuring-related proceedings, as well as construction and shareholder disputes.

Tilleke & Gibbins’ team is co-led by John Frangos, Noppramart Thammateeradaycho, who has experience in international arbitration proceedings in Singapore, Australia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, and Michael Ramirez. The practice stands out for its capability in the construction, energy and infrastructure, maritime and shipping sectors. Frangos and Thammateeradaycho also head the firm’s regional arbitration group, and Ramirez spearheads the trade and customs dispute team.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners has experience representing clients across the media and entertainment, hospitality, consumer goods and insurance sectors in international arbitration proceedings at the TAI, HKIAC and SIAC, as well as the enforcement of arbitral awards in Thailand. Phisit Dejchaiyasak leads the team and has expertise in renewable energy, medical and healthcare, telecoms and construction cases, while Sakchai Limsiripothong advises on commercial, bankruptcy and administrative-related matters in arbitration proceedings.