Firms To Watch: TMT

KPMG Law Thailand’s TMT team is is jointly led by Archaree Suppakrucha and Threenuch Bunruangthaworn, who advises on compliance matters concerning telecoms, e-commerce and data protection, in addition to transactional work.

TMT in Thailand

Baker McKenzie LLP

The practice at Baker McKenzie LLP is led by Dhiraphol Suwanprateep, whose expertise covers regulatory frameworks around privacy and security, as well as negotiating and drafting commercial contracts for the provision of telecoms services. ‘Exceptional’ Kritiyanee Buranatrevedhya has experience in data protection, cybersecurity and complex technology matters, and Pattaraphan Paiboon advises on mandates concerning telecoms and broadcasting, while Siranya Rhuvattana left the firm in March 2022. The practice counts cloud computing, licensing, digital media, as well as data protection and privacy matters, in its workload.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dhiraphol Suwanprateep

Autres avocats clés:

Kritiyanee Buranatrevedhya; Pattaraphan Paiboon

Les références

‘Kritiyanee Buranatrevedhya has been an exceptional help to us. Her advice is very clear. She proves that she understands the tech side well and provides well-rounded advice with clear steps for implementation.’

‘The team’s insights on the upcoming regulations in the development of the legal landscape in the field of data privacy has been very helpful.’

‘Kritiyanee Buranatrevedhya – I believe Kritiyanee is one of the few people in the country who is truly an expert. Her knowledge on GDPR and insights on the local regulations have enabled her to give advice that I truly rely on.’

Formichella & Sritawat

Counting multinational conglomerates, public-listed companies and financial institutions among its key roster of clients, Formichella & Sritawat handles the full range of matters, concerning cloud services, data centre outsourcing, data privacy, as well as e-commerce licensing and broadcasting. The practice also acts for foreign entities on entering and expanding into Thailand’s digital economy and technology sector. Praised for his ‘deep knowledge in the telecoms space’, John Formichella leads the team and has demonstrable experience in technology transactions, while Naytiwut Jamallsawat focuses on data protection, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Formichella

Autres avocats clés:

Naytiwut Jamallsawat

Les références

‘Fast and reliable advice in telecoms issues.’

‘John Formichella has deep knowledge in the telecoms space and is highly responsive’.

Tilleke & Gibbins

Tilleke & Gibbins’ ‘strong’ practice has demonstrable experience across a broad range of matters, concerning artificial intelligence, blockchain, crowdfunding, cybersecurity, data protection and digital currencies. The team is headed by Charuwan Charoonchitsathian, who advises on telecoms, fintech and artificial intelligence mandates, and IP expert Suebsiri Taweepon, who focuses on technology transfers and IP rights for technology-related matters. The practice also counts on the expertise of Nopparat Lalitkomon, who specialises in data protection and cybersecurity work. Key clients include multinational content distributors and developers, digital business operators, e-commerce and social media platforms, technology manufacturers and telecoms providers, among others.

Responsables de la pratique:

Charuwan Charoonchitsathian; Suebsiri Taweepon

Autres avocats clés:

Nopparat Lalitkomon

Les références

‘They are competent and strong. Clients can approach them when needed and get the right answers.’

Principaux clients

Agoda

AI and Robotics Ventures

Coda Payments

Delivery Hero

Facebook/Meta

Grab

LINE

NTT Data

PCCW

True Corporation

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Facebook and LINE for compliance with regulations under Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act.
  • Advised a diversified entertainment company on the successful launch of its subscription video on demand (SVOD) platform in Thailand.
  • Advised a technology company on the Thai legal framework regulating the deployment, operation, and ownership of telecommunications infrastructure including point of presence (PoP), cable landing stations, and submarine cables in Thai territorial waters.

Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co, Ltd

Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co, Ltd regularly acts for TMT-sector clients, as well as government entities, regulators and financial institutions, on banking, IP and regulatory issues, in addition to litigation and outsourcing matters. Managing partner and practice leader Suparerk Auychai advises on high-profile M&As and capital markets transactions in the telecoms and technology sectors, while senior consultant Dumnern Subpaisarn focuses on data protection and cyber security mandates, IT transactions and regulatory compliance issues. The practice, which is noted for its capability in TMT-related M&As, joint ventures and capital markets transactions, continues to rely on the expertise of senior counsel Stephen Jaggs.

Responsables de la pratique:

Suparerk Auychai

Autres avocats clés:

Dumnern Subpaisarn; Stephen Jaggs

Principaux clients

Telenor South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.

Bow Wave Capital Management LP

Standard Chartered Bank plc

Deutsche Bank AG

Malayan Banking Berhad (trades as Maybank)

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited

PT Indosat Tbk (trades as Indosat Ooredoo)

Telenor ASA

Asian Development Bank

Japan International Cooperation Agency

Workpoint Entertainment Public Company Limited

Thai Broadcasting Company Limited

Singha Venture Capital Fund Limited

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising Telenor Group on the USD8.6bn merger of Thailand’s Total Access Communication Public Company Limited and True Corporation Public Company Limited to create a new telecom-tech company in Thailand.
  • Advised a Chinese multinational technology company specialising in e-payments, e-commerce and fintech on its participation in the USD150m Series C round of investment by Ascend Money.
  • Advised the mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners on financing for the public tender offer by Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited for the acquisition of 81.1% of the shares of Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited, which will be in addition to Gulf’s existing 18.9% stake.

DFDL Legal & Tax

DFDL Legal & Tax’s TMT team is collectively led by Audray Souche, Guillaume Massin, Vinay Ahuja, Nipaporn Supha-Utchaichan, Kraisorn Rueangkul and Walanchathas Sanguanwong. Counting Thai and international corporations, government entities, non-profit organisations and start-ups among its key list of clients, the practice is noted for its capability in advising on securities and regulatory issues surrounding blockchain and cryptocurrency in Thailand. Rueangkul regularly acts for fintech and technology start-ups in corporate transactions, while Ahuja advises on blockchain matters and cryptocurrencies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Audray Souche; Guillaume Massin; Vinay Ahuja; Nipaporn Supha-Utchaichan; Kraisorn Rueangkul; Walanchathas Sanguanwong

DLA Piper

Samata Masagee leads DLA Piper’s TMT team and focuses on technology M&As, start-up investments, telecoms matters and data protection issues. The practice, which frequently relies on the expertise of litigator Don Rojanapenkul in contentious matters, has demonstrable experience advising on a broad range domestic and cross-border mandates, concerning technology and telecoms, as well as media, sports and entertainment. Recently, the team has seen an increase in M&A transactions across the TMT sector, in addition to data protection work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Samata Masagee

Autres avocats clés:

Don Rojanapenkul

Principaux clients

Mavenir, Inc.

Bolt Technologies OU

SITA Information Networking Computing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Diners Club International Ltd.

Medi24 AG

The Monk Interactive PTE. LTD

The Monk Studios Co., Ltd.

Digital Edge (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Samsung SDS Co., Ltd.

SCB 10X Co., Ltd.

LINE Company (Thailand) Limited

True Corporation Public Company Limited

5G Catalyst Technologies Co., Ltd.

JKN Global Media PLC

15 Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Representing SCB 10X Co., Ltd. on the Series E fund raising of the first ever Thailand-based unicorn startup, who provides e-commerce logistics services, Flash Group.
  • Representing Morgan Stanley (Thailand) Limited in its investment in 15% stake in The Monk Studios Co., Ltd.
  • Advised Bolt with all aspects of its international expansion.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s expertise extends to matters concerning digital payments and digital platforms, as well as crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending, and has demonstrable capability advising on corporate transactions relating to e-commerce, fintech and cryptocurrency. Stephen John Bennett and Yaowarote Klinboon, who advise TMT sector clients on M&As and capital markets transactions, jointly lead the team. Key clients include multinational companies and start-ups, venture capital and fintech entities, in addition to well-known social media platforms.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen John Bennett; Yaowarote Klinboo

Les références

‘Comprehensive and profound understanding of legal and compliance matters under overseas relevant laws and regulations.’

‘Stephen Bennett from the M&A team impressed us a lot. Stephen has given us useful advice and strong legal support.’

Principaux clients

China Mobile International Holdings Limited

Tencent Holdings Limited (Tenpay/ Weixin)

PayPal Inc.

Wirecard AG

Yoomoney

China Literature Limited

Facebook (now META)

Foodpanda

Carsome Group Inc

Funding Societies – FS Siam Co., Ltd.

Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (Peer Power Company Limited)

SCB 10X Co., Ltd.

Coinbase Global Inc.

Binance

BlockFi Lending LLC

Aqua Corporation Public Company Limited

United Power of Asia Public Company Limited

Nation Multimedia Public Company Limited

Thaicom Public Company Limited

InTouch Public Company Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Represented China Mobile International Holdings Limited, Tencent Holdings Limited and its subsidiary, China Literature Limited, in the exchange of their shares in Ookbee U, one of Thailand’s largest social medial platform operations for user generated content (UGC), for shares in Ookbee.
  • Represented Coinbase Global Inc., Binance, BlockFi Lending LLC, Funding Societies and its local Thai subsidiary, FS Siam Co., Ltd., in obtaining a license to act as a crowdfunding portal operator, Tencent’s WeChat, Facebook (now META) and Foodpanda.
  • Advised Aqua Corporation Public Company Limited in connection with USD49m sale of its out of home media business, United Power of Asia on its investment in cryptocurrency mining in Lao PDR.

R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited

Supawat Srirungruang and Saroj Jongsaritwang jointly lead the TMT team at R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited, which acts for domestic and international clients on implementation projects concerning compliance issues with Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act. Srirungruang has experience in data protection and advises on regulatory compliance matters in the TMT sector, while Jongsaritwang handles M&As, as well as banking and finance mandates, in the technology arena. Senior associate Yingrak Treesaranuwattana, who focuses on e-commerce and e-payment issues, is another key member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Supawat Srirungruang; Saroj Jongsaritwang

Autres avocats clés:

Yingrak Treesaranuwattana

Principaux clients

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co., Ltd.

Lazada Ltd., Lazada Solutions (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Lazada Express Limited

Stock Exchange of Thailand

Principaux dossiers

  • Provided an examination of the PDPA compliance of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) and its 17 subsidiary and associate companies.
  • Providing personal data protection compliance service for Lazada Ltd., Lazada Solutions (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Lazada Express Limited.
  • Advising the Stock Exchange of Thailand on the setup of a digital asset investment service platform.

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners

Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners has experience across a broad range of matters, concerning advertising and broadcasting, data protection and e-commerce, as well as corporate and commercial work. Senior partner Veeranuch Thammavaranucupt, who was previously former general counsel at DTAC, one of the major telecoms service providers in Thailand, leads the practice, which counts on the expertise of Phisit Dejchaiyasak, who represents telecoms and internet service providers in high-profile disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Veeranuch Thammavaranucupt

Autres avocats clés:

Phisit Dejchaiyasak

Principaux clients

VGI Global Media

Hero Experience (Marvel)

Symphony Communications Public Company Limited

CAT Telecom Public Company Limited

Prananporn Co., Ltd.

Total Access Communications Public Company Limited (DTAC)

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS)

Jasmine International Public Company Limited

GMM Grammy Public Company Limited

SF Group

Kudun & Partners

Kudun & Partners’ ‘commercially-oriented’ digital practice focuses on matters pertaining to cryptocurrency, digital assets, cybersecurity and data protection issues, online payment systems, as well as regulatory compliance. Kongkoch Yongsavasdikul, who advises on corporate transactions in the TMT sector, including technology start-ups and e-commerce mandates, jointly leads the team alongside Saravut Krailadsiri, who acts for telecoms and technology clients on compliance issues. Senior associate Koraphot Jirachocksubsin is noted for his expertise in data protection, fintech and cybersecurity.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kongkoch Yongsavasdikul; Saravut Krailadsiri

Autres avocats clés:

Koraphot Jirachocksubsin

Les références

‘They are commercially-oriented when giving advice and think out of the box for highly complex matters when assisting us.’

‘Kongkoch and Koraphot are the best team to work with. They have the capacity to swiftly get to the heart of a problem and deliver brief, pragmatic, and outcome-focused recommendations.’

‘They have a strong understanding of the commercial and regulatory aspects governing the technology sector.’

Principaux clients

Sea Limited

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited

One To One Contacts Public Company Limited

Angel Time

Omise

Fraction

Nusa CSR, a subsidiary of Nusasiri PLC.

ByteDance.

Predictive Co., Ltd.

Srisawad Public Company Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Rrepresenting One To One Contacts Public Company Limited on its acquisition of 49% shares of Hubber, a blockchain platform development company.
  • Representing Elite Consulting Group (ECG) on its application for an ICO Portal license with the Security Exchange Commission of Thailand (“SEC”).
  • Advising Srisawad Corporation Public Company Limited and six of its subsidiaries, including Lao and Vietnam subsidiaries, on PDPA compliance requirements including data privacy transfer policy following PDPA.

Linklaters

Wilailuk Okanurak, who acts for domestic and regional clients across the telecoms and technology sectors, leads the team at Linklaters, which advises on matters concerning network infrastructure development, data commercialisation and data protection. Additionally, the practice has seen an increase in compliance work relating to the Thai Personal Data Protection Act. Other key contacts in the team include Wanwisar Nakarat, who has experience in e-commerce mandates and projects involving satellites, and Sutthipong Koohasaneh, who advises on TMT-related transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Wilailuk Okanurak

Autres avocats clés:

Wanwisar Nakarat; Sutthipong Koohasaneh

Les références

‘The team has a great collaboration internally and externally.’

‘Highly qualified individuals. Great and clear communication.’

Principaux clients

Ascend Capital Co., Ltd.

Bangkok Bank Plc.

BNP Paribas

Digital Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund

Gulf Development Public Company Limited

Intouch

Kasikornbank Public Company Limited

Kiatnakin Bank Plc.

Krung Thai Bank Plc.

SCB 10X Co., Ltd.

Thaicom Plc.

The Siam Commercial Bank Plc.

Total Access Communications Plc.

True Corporation Plc.

True Digital Group

True Incube Company Limited

United Technologies Corporation

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited

Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited acts for film production, telecoms and technology companies on regulatory issues and commercial agreements, with a particular focus in the fintech sector. The team, which is noted for its capability in handling contentious matters, is led by Christopher Osborne, who focuses on technology transactions, while Sydney-based Alan Polivnick handles commercial, employment and regulatory mandates in the TMT sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher Osborne

Autres avocats clés:

Alan Polivnick

Principaux clients

Agoda Company Pte Ltd

Airbnb Singapore Private Limited

King Wai Insurance Public Company Limited

Lending multinational technology corporation

Mycronic AB

Priceline.com LLC

ZA Tech Global Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised ZA Tech Global Limited on its acquisition of shares in GoBear Insurance Broker (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
  • Advised Agoda on the expansion of their online accommodation and flights booking platform for accommodation and flights packages in over 20 initial Asia-Pacific/Middle Eastern jurisdictions.