Projects and energy in Thailand

Baker McKenzie LLP

With both domestic and international capabilities, Baker McKenzie LLP fields a broad offering that notably includes public-private partnerships and engineering, procurement and construction contracts, as well as covering a variety of project development and financing work. Helming the practice is Sawanee Sethsathira, who possesses a host of experience managing deals in the oil and gas, power and infrastructure sectors. Viroj Piyawattanametha has particular expertise in relation to project finance deals, while Vit Vatanayothin's strengths lie in renewable energy project finance matters. Associate Napas Na Pombejra is especially active in the petrochemical, power and renewable energy sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sawanee Sethsathira


Autres avocats clés:

Viroj Piyawattanametha; Vit Vatanayothin; Napas Na Pombejra


Principaux clients

RATCH Group


PTT Group and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies


Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GED)


Super Energy Public Company Limited


EGAT International (EGATi)


GreenYellow (Thailand) Co., Ltd.


Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM)


B.Grimm Power Limited and Amata B. Grimm Power


Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited


BCPG


Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited


KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Hin Kong Power Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hin Kong Power Holding Company Limited which is a joint entity owned by RATCH and Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, in the project financing of a new 1,400 MW (2 x 700 MW) IPP. The project took over two years to complete and this is the first IPP to: (i) use a gas supplier other than PTT; and (ii) achieve the PPA’s financial close with a bridging loan (refinanced using project finance).
  • Advised Thai Tank Terminal (TTT) on the negotiation of the PPP contract with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) for a public terminal management project involving the handling of liquid products at the Map Ta Phut deep-sea port in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
  • Acted as owner’s legal counsel and assisted the consortium of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited and RATCH Group Public Company Limited in successfully obtaining credit facilities worth THB 5.3bn for M6 project and up to THB 4.2bn for M81 project through their project companies, BGSR 6 Co., Ltd. and BGSR 81 Co., Ltd. for the purpose of funding the design and construction of the motorway system works and other related facilities, including toll collection systems, traffic management, control systems, etc.

Chandler MHM Limited

Counting both sponsors and lenders among its key roster of clients, Chandler MHM Limited's strengths include renewable power projects across Southeast Asia, alongside infrastructure projects. The team has recently assisted clients with the due diligence and financing of a mixed-use property project, as well as acting as lead counsel to syndicated lenders regarding the financing of a large-scale solar project. Co-managing partner Jessada Sawatdipong jointly leads the practice with his vast experience in project finance matters, while co-lead Joseph Tisuthiwongse is particularly well-versed in renewable energy matters, also possessing considerable banking and project experience in both the US and the UK. Key contact David Beckstead's expertise includes greenfield infrastructure projects and cross-border joint ventures. Supattra Sathapornnanon fields a strong practice in the project finance arena, while Pranee Klinratana routinely represents syndicated lenders in project financing and the refinancing of major energy, property, and industrial estate projects. Associate Tip-apa Limvichai is another key contact in the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jessada Sawatdipong; Joseph Tisuthiwongse


Autres avocats clés:

David Beckstead; Supattra Sathapornnanon; Pranee Klinratana; Tip-apa Limvichai


Principaux clients

Kanden Realty & Development Company Limited


Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, and Export-Import Bank of Thailand


Park Origin 12 Company Limited


Trafigura Pte Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Trafigura Pte Ltd. which is a buyer under the prepayment agreement entered into with Valeura Energy Asia Pte. Ltd. as seller.
  • Acted as lead counsel to syndicated lenders in relation to the financing to Ray Power Supply Co., Ltd. for the construction, development and operation of solar project with an installed capacity of 30 MW located in Cambodia.
  • Represented KBank, SCB and TISCO Bank as Lenders in relation to due diligence and financing for development of a mixed-use property project including office space, branded residences, retails, condominium and service apartments in the upmarket Thonglor district of Bangkok.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Representing a variety of commercial banks, institutional lenders and project developers, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP advises on cross-border acquisitions and divestitures of traditional and renewable energy and high-technology energy projects and portfolios. The team has recently acted as borrower, seller and investor’s counsel on numerous large-scale projects, including a wind farm and a natural gas power facility. Edward Koehler, James Bradley and Chumbhot Plangtrakul jointly head the practice, with Koehler leading numerous cross-border project developments. Bradley’s broad range of expertise encompasses power plant construction compliance, contentious issues, as well as acquisition and completion work for a large-scale project. Plangtrakul is routinely engaged by international energy developers to assist with the global expansion of power development projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Edward Koehler; James Bradley; Chumbhot Plangtrakul


Les références

‘Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP possesses legal expertise and offers commercial insight. They provide practical solutions to help clients navigate complex and challenging situations and offer sharp and effective advice when negotiating with counterparties.’

‘Their work has been consistently delivered with care and precision even under time constraints.’

‘Great team with a combination of wisdom and knowledge in the energy business.’

Principaux clients

Asian Development Bank


Banpu Public Company Limited


Cambodian Energy II Co., Ltd.


Constant Energy Management Ser vices Ltd.


Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft


GNPower Group Companies


Electricity Generating Public Company Limited


Energy Absolute PLC


Impact Energy Asia Development Limited


Leader Energy Group Sdn. Bhd.


Modern Energy Management


Power Partners Ltd. Co. and AC Energy Holdings, Inc.


Printpack Inc.


PTL Holding Company Limited


Quezon Power (Philippines), Limited Co.


San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co.


SCB 10X Co., Ltd.


Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd.


TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited


United Overseas Bank Limited (Singapore)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited on the non-recourse project financing package provided by Asian Development Bank (ADB) as lead arranger, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Thai EXIM), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), Kasikornbank, and Siam Commercial Bank.
  • Advised Banpu as seller’s counsel on the divestment by its subsidiary, BPIN Investment Company Limited (BPINI), of a 47.5% equity interest in Singapore’s Sunseap Group Pte. Ltd. (Sunseap) for approximately $490m to EDP Renováveis SA (EDPR).
  • Advised EGCO as investor’s counsel on the multi-million dollar acquisition of a 49% stake in Rhode Island State Energy Center, LP, the owner and operator of a 609-megawatt natural gas power station in the state of Rhode Island, US, which is a key facility for providing ISO New England grid stability services.

Linklaters

In addition to acting for lenders and sponsors on large-scale conventional power projects, Linklaters advises on a diverse array of renewable energy projects and the financing of high-speed rail projects. The practice is also active across a wide spectrum of sectors, from oil and gas and mining to natural resources and non-renewable energy, with a strong roster of domestic and multinational clients. Managing partner Wanwisar Nakarat spearheads the team, with a wealth of experience in project development, project financing and acquisition of energy and infrastructure projects, while Wilailuk Okanurak handles the financing and transactional aspects of projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Wanwisar Nakarat


Autres avocats clés:

Wilailuk Okanurak


Les références

‘Linklaters is responsive and competent in bringing in experts from other offices to work on specific matters.’

‘No one in Bangkok can beat Wilailuk Okanurak for her advice on project financing.’

‘Wilailuk Okanurak is hands-on and responsive on all matters.’

Principaux clients

Bangkok Bank Plc.


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Charoen Pokphand Group


Chevron


Credit Suisse


Dow Chemical


Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited


Global Renewable Power Company Limited


Gulf Energy Development Plc.


Gunkul Public Company Limited


Italian-Thai Development Plc.


KASIKORNBANK Plc.


Krung Thai Bank Plc.


Krung Thai Asset Management Plc.


Mitsui & Co.


Morgan Stanley


Phatra Securities


PTT Global Chemical Plc.


PTT Exploration and Production Plc.


RATCH Group Public Company Limited


Standard Chartered Bank


UBS AG


Thaicom Public Company Limited


Thai Oil Public Company Limited


Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners

Weerawong Chittmittrapap and Banphot Kittikinglert jointly lead the team at Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners, and advise on a varied suite of matters including concessions, project finance and public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects, with notable experience in managing oil, gas and power projects. Its client roster extends from government agencies to financial institutions and private entities. Chittmittrapap has recently handled significant infrastructure projects, as well as working with the Government of Thailand, and Kittikinglert operates across a diverse array of projects from ports and highways to public private investment projects. Jirapat Thammavaranucupt departed the firm to join TTT+Partners in September 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Weerawong Chittmittrapap; Banphot Kittikinglert


Principaux clients

Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EECO), Government of Thailand


PTT Public Company Limited


Port Authority of Thailand


Department of Highways


Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited


BTS Group Holding Public Company Limited


U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited


Italian Thai Development Public Company Limited


Northern Bangkok Monorail Company Limited


Eastern Bangkok Monorail Company Limited


State Enterprise Policy Organization (SEPO), Ministry of Finance, Government of Thailand


Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited


PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited


PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited


Wind Energy Holding Co., Ltd.


Planet Energy Holdings Pte. Ltd.


Altervim Company Limited


Thai Oil Public Company Limited; Thaioil Marine Co., Ltd.


TTCL Public Company Limited


DFDL Legal & Tax

David Doran, Audray Souche, Nipaporn Supha-Utchaichan, Kraisorn Rueangkul and Walanchathas Sanguanwong steer the DFDL Legal & Tax practice, which demonstrates particular capabilities in managing cross-border deals across Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam. The team leverages its considerable experience across a variety of industries, such as energy, infrastructure and manufacturing, to handle matters for a diverse roster of clients that includes start-ups, private clients and Thai and international corporations. Souche fields a strong practice in public-private projects, leading multiple project finance and project development assignments, and Supha-Utchaichan is well-equipped to handle foreign direct investment, corporate transactions, M&A and financings. Rueangkul is particularly experienced in cross-border mergers and investments in the Mekong region, while Sanguanwong is geared to handle structuring acquisition and finance deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Doran; Audray Souche; Nipaporn Supha-Utchaichan; Kraisorn Rueangkul; Walanchathas Sanguanwong


Principaux clients

RATCH Group


A Consortium of Thai lenders (Krung Thai Bank as Intercreditor Agent)


Sinohydro (Hong Kong) Holding Co. (a subsidiary of Power China)


Impact Energy Asia Development Limited


B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited as the sponsor and Ray Power Supply Co., Ltd. as the borrower


Ardian


B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (Sponsor), B.Grimm Solar Power, Inc (Project Company)


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting a consortium of Thai lenders (Krung Thai Bank as Intercreditor Agent) in relation to new financing to be granted to the Lao power company Xayaburi Power Company in relation to the development and operations of the 1,285 MW Xayaburi hydropower project in the Lao PDR for the purpose of funding certain additional compensation and implementing restructured payment terms in respect of the financial benefits payable by the project company to the Government of the Lao PDR.
  • Assisting a consortium of Thai lenders (Krung Thai Bank as Intercreditor Agent) in assessing satisfaction of Lao law conditions to the resumption of the drawdowns of the facilities granted to Xe Pian Xe Namnoy Power Limited Company for the purpose of the financing of the development of the Xe Pian Xe Namnoy hydropower project in Champasak province, Lao PDR, further to the collapse of the Saddle Dam D in July 2018.
  • Acted as Vietnamese legal counsel to B.Grimm PLC (the sponsor) and Phu Yen TTP Joint Stock Company (the borrower) in relation to the take out financing of a solar power plant project with an aggregate installed generating capacity of up to 257 MWp (214 MWac) Phu Hoa District, Phu Yen Province, Vietnam, owned and operated by the borrower (the “Project”), sourced from a syndicate of international lenders led by Asian Development Bank (“ADB”).

Tilleke & Gibbins

Tilleke & Gibbins is well-placed to handle various clean energy and renewables matters, routinely involved in solar, wind energy, biomass and hydroelectric projects. The team also covers a host of infrastructure projects, including those arising from the real estate, transport, telecoms, utilities and social infrastructure sectors. Practice head Supasit Boonsanong is sought out for his expertise in cross-border energy transactions, as well as possessing expertise in drafting and negotiating high-value EPC contracts for a variety of projects. Charuwan Charoonchitsathian demonstrates proficiency in project development and finance, EPC agreements, M&A and business reorganisations. Joseph Tomkiewicz left the firm in December 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Supasit Boonsanong


Autres avocats clés:

Charuwan Charoonchitsathian


Principaux clients

Alpha Fine Chemicals Limited


Amarenco Asia Pacific Pte Ltd


Global Green Chemicals


Global Power Synergy PCL


IRPC PCL


Nuovo Plus Co., Ltd. (a JVC of Global Power Synergy PCL)


PTT Tank Terminal Co., Ltd.


Rojana Power Co., Ltd.


Sahacogen (Chonburi) PCL


Valeura Energy, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented and advised one of the leading consortium members on the implementation and construction of the Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 Development Project, a mega infrastructure development plan under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme.
  • Assisting a joint venture between Global Green Chemicals Plc and Kaset Thai International Sugar Corporation Plc on the THB 20 billion construction, development, and operation of the first bioeconomy complex in Thailand.
  • Retained by IRPC PLC to advise on the construction and development of two clean fuel projects (i.e., an Ultra Clean Fuel Diesel Euro V Grade Refinery Project (UCF) and a Hydrogen Manufacturing Unit Project (HMU)), collectively valued at approximately $500m.

DLA Piper

Steering DLA Piper's practice is Waranon Vanichprapa, who strengthens the team with his experience in advising financial institutions and multinational corporations on project financing and restructuring transactions. The team is capable of handling domestic and cross-border projects financings, advising on a range of investment activities in the renewable energy, infrastructure, real estate and hospitality arenas. Samata Masagee is well-versed in managing corporate matters in the energy sector, advising on related M&A transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Waranon Vanichprapa


Autres avocats clés:

Samata Masagee


Principaux clients

Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited


IRPC Clean Power Co Ltd


Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited


BCPG Public Company Limited


RATCH Group Public Company Limited


Thai Oil Public Company Limited


Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited


Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited


China Minsheng Bank Corporation Ltd.


BBGI Public Company Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited on its approximately $2bn acquisition of majority stake in Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited (SET listed (ESSO)) from the oil giant ExxonMobil. The target operates a refinery and oil marketing business in Thailand with over 700 service stations.
  • Representing IRPC Clean Power Co Ltd, as borrower, on the THB 7bn financing of the 70 MW gas-fired combined cycle cogeneration power plant project and the refinancing of its existing cogeneration power plant project. This involved multiple parties, new lenders, existing lenders, project partners, companies, sponsors and various counsels.
  • Advising lenders on facility agreements in respect to the solar project. We also advised on the transition from LIBOR to SOFR aspect.

Kudun & Partners

Kudun & Partners’s ‘innovative’ multi-disciplinary team is well-equipped to manage infrastructure, real estate, energy, power plants and other large-scale development projects, as well as handling a range of energy and infrastructure-related transactions, including joint ventures, M&A and regulatory compliance matters. Founding partner Kudun Sukhumananda jointly leads the practice, bolstering the team with his proficiency in corporate and M&A-related mandates, while co-lead Chai Lertvittayachaisul contributes his renewable energy sector prowess in the solar, biomass and wind energy arenas to the practice. Kom Vachiravarakarn is active in manufacturing, real estate and construction materials industries, among others. Troy Schooneman and Kongkoch Yongsavasdikul are also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kudun Sukhumananda; Chai Lertvittayachaikul


Autres avocats clés:

Kom Vachiravarakarn; Troy Schooneman; Kongkoch Yongsavasdikul


Les références

‘Throughout our collaboration, Kudun & Partners displayed a level of knowledge and expertise that surpassed our expectations. Their in-depth understanding of the projects & energy industry and its intricacies was truly impressive, enabling them to provide invaluable insights and guidance for our business.

‘Their approach to problem-solving was refreshingly innovative, consistently presenting us with creative solutions that demonstrated their commitment to finding the best possible outcomes for our organisation. They proved themselves to be more than just legal advisors; they were true partners in our success.’

‘The team’s responsiveness and professionalism were second to none. Whenever we had questions or concerns, they were always prompt in addressing them, providing clarity and reassurance every step of the way.

Principaux clients

S Global Limited


Sermsang Power Corporation


Scan Inter PCL.


B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited


E transport Holding Company Limited


Jiangxi Water and Hydropower Construction (Thailand) Co., Ltd.,


BG Container Glass Public Company Limited (BGC) and Bangkok Glass Public Company Limited


PTT PLC.


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented S Global Limited, a subsidiary of Sermsang Power Corporation PLC. — a leading renewable energy producer and distributor in Asia and one of the largest wind power generators in Thailand — on its acquisition of 25% shares in Win Chai Company Limited, owner and operator of Romklao Wind Farm, an active wind power plant project consisting of 13 turbines located in North Eastern province of Thailand, Mukdahan with a contracted capacity of 45 MW for a total value of more than THB 1bn.
  • Represented the client to acquire 100% of shares in SIPCO Public Company Limited, an operating company operating a power cogeneration plant in Rayong with approximately 99MW.
  • Represented the client to acquire 100% shares in Guang Hang Offshore Wind Power Co., Ltd., a project company developing a wind power plant with installed capacity of 240 MW located in public sea near Moogo-ri, Moonnae-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea, from Dream Engineering Co., Ltd. with the purchase price of approximately $50m.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Counting lenders, sponsors, contractors and government bodies, as well as an array of financial institutions, among its roster of clients, Norton Rose Fulbright is geared to handle cross-border transactions and projects across various industries. Practice head Tassanai Kiratisountorn is noted for his expertise in cross-border financings in the energy sector, and senior associate Chormas Premsirinirund is another key contact in the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tassanai Kiratisountorn


Autres avocats clés:

Chormas Premsirinirund


Principaux clients

Kasikornbank Public Company Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Kasikornbank Public Company Limited in respect of a financing to Thai Digital Energy Development Company Limited for development of rooftop solar project portfolio in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Siam Premier International Law Office Limited

Siam Premier International Law Office Limited's key undertakings extend from energy disputes and power station projects to project finances and structures. Rawat Chomsri leads the practice, with demonstrable experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters, such as project investments. Alongside him is Chatchavej Chitvarakorn, whose broad range of capabilities include public-private partnership work in relation to rail and road infrastructure in Thailand.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rawat Chomsri; Chatchavej Chitvarakorn


Principaux clients

The Port Authority of Thailand


Electricity Generating Authority Thailand


T Utilities Co., Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing The Port Authority of Thailand in preparing legal advice and opinion in regard to the establishment of a new landmark property.
  • Providing the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand with legal opinion and advising on its tax, business, investment and PPP operations.

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited

With notable expertise in the renewable energy arena, Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited advises clients on all stages of the lifecycle, from environmental compliance through to project finance documentation. The team is also noted for its litigation capability in the wind and solar energy spheres sectors. Steven Burkill leads the team, contributing his experience in the field of international litigation, while Ratthakarn Boonnua’s capabilities encompass litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steven Burkill


Autres avocats clés:

Ratthakarn Boonnua


Les références

‘Watson Farley & Williams’ Bangkok office is a market leader in the region for international arbitration in energy, oil and gas, renewables, power, utilities and infrastructure project disputes.’

Principaux clients

Altera Infrastructure L.P.


Christiani & Nielsen Energy Solutions


Grandblue Environment Co., Ltd.


Wind Energy Holdings


Department of Mineral Fuels, Ministry of Energy, Government of Thailand


AGC Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising and acting for the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Energy in a multi-billion US dollar arbitration, relating to decommissioning disputes with oil major concessionaries concerning assets in the Gulf of Thailand.
  • Providing commercial advice on construction of Turbine Supply and Operations and Maintenance agreements for WEH’s wind farm project companies.
  • Advising and representing a leading Thai automotive manufacturer against a Thai supplier of solar roof equipment in a civil claim for breach of contract.