Thailand’s legal market is highly sophisticated, serving as a critical gateway for foreign investment into Southeast Asia and a hub for major domestic M&A. The top firms in Bangkok are a fascinating mix of huge, globally-integrated powerhouses and highly respected, independent Thai firms known for local regulatory expertise.
For international businesses, choosing a firm often comes down to finding the best balance of global reach and deep Thai law specialization.
Here is a look at the leading law firms in Thailand, based on their top-tier rankings in key commercial areas like Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, and Intellectual Property.
🌐 The Dominant International and Regional Giants
These firms are consistently ranked in “Band 1” across multiple practice areas and are the first port of call for complex cross-border transactions involving multinational corporations.
| Rank | Law Firm Name | Type | Key Areas of Excellence |
| 1 | Baker McKenzie | International | Market leader in nearly every practice area (M&A, Tax, IP, Real Estate). Largest firm in Thailand with massive global integration. |
| 2 | Tilleke & Gibbins | Regional/Independent | A long-established firm with a strong regional network; dominates in Intellectual Property (IP), Corporate, and Labour law. |
| 3 | A&O Shearman | International (Magic Circle) | Top-tier for Capital Markets and Banking & Finance. Strong cross-border capabilities leveraging the global A&O Shearman network. |
| 4 | Linklaters | International (Magic Circle) | Consistently excellent in Capital Markets (IPOs, debt issuances) and Project Finance for large infrastructure deals. |
| 5 | Chandler Mori Hamada | Local/Japanese Alliance | Highly regarded for Energy, Project Finance, and Corporate work, serving many major Japanese investors. |
🇹🇭 Elite Thai Independent and Specialized Firms
A crucial part of the Bangkok legal market consists of independent Thai firms or regional specialists that compete directly with the international firms, often on the basis of local political and regulatory expertise.
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Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners (Weerawong C&P): A leading independent Thai firm known for handling the country’s most significant and complex M&A deals and Private Equity investments.
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The Capital Law Office (TCLO): Highly respected independent Thai firm with a strong focus on Corporate, Capital Markets, and Tax advice for prominent Thai companies.
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Rajah & Tann (Thailand) Limited: Part of the regional Rajah & Tann Asia network (originating in Singapore), offering comprehensive services with strength in Dispute Resolution and Tax.
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Kudun and Partners: A modern, award-winning firm known for its focus on new economy sectors like Fintech and for handling high-profile M&A and capital markets transactions.
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Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF): Known for one of the country’s premier Commercial Litigation and International Arbitration practices, alongside its corporate offerings.
💼 Key Practice Areas in Bangkok
The top law firms here excel in the areas most vital to Thailand’s economy:
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Corporate and M&A: Given Thailand’s role as a manufacturing and logistics hub, firms like Baker McKenzie, Weerawong C&P, and A&O Shearman advise on major acquisitions, joint ventures, and restructurings.
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Intellectual Property (IP): Protecting trademarks, patents, and fighting counterfeiting is critical. Tilleke & Gibbins and Baker McKenzie are the traditional leaders in this field.
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Capital Markets: The firms leading the debt and equity markets for public listings (IPOs) and bond issuances are typically Linklaters and A&O Shearman, alongside strong local counsel.
For any business engaging with the Thai market—whether a startup in the Fintech space or a multinational acquiring a factory—the quality and specialization of the legal counsel available in Bangkok is world-class.