Bangkok is the epicenter of commerce in Southeast Asia, attracting massive foreign investment, particularly in sectors like technology, infrastructure, and energy. Navigating Thailand’s civil law system, foreign investment laws, and dynamic regulatory environment requires world-class legal counsel.
The legal market in Bangkok is generally divided into two main categories: major international firms with a local presence, and elite, independent Thai firms known for deep local expertise.
🌎 International Giants & Regional Heavyweights
These global firms leverage their extensive international networks while maintaining a strong team of local Thai lawyers to handle complex, cross-border transactional work and high-stakes finance.
| Law Firm | Key Strengths in Bangkok | Noteworthy Status |
| Baker McKenzie | Market Leader & Full-Service Dominance. Often cited as the largest law firm in Thailand, offering unparalleled depth across all areas, including M&A, Capital Markets, Intellectual Property, and Dispute Resolution. | Consistently wins “Thailand Law Firm of the Year” awards. |
| Tilleke & Gibbins | Regional Pioneer. One of Thailand’s oldest and most respected law firms (founded in 1890). Extremely strong in Intellectual Property (IP), Regulatory Compliance, and Dispute Resolution, with a significant regional footprint across Southeast Asia. | Noted for its vast, full-service capabilities. |
| A&O Shearman / Linklaters | Global Finance & Magic Circle Power. The Bangkok offices of these firms (A&O Shearman formed from the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling) and Linklaters are key players in major Banking & Finance, Project Finance, and Capital Markets transactions. | Key players in high-value cross-border finance. |
| Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) | Disputes and Energy Focus. HSF is globally renowned for its Disputes and International Arbitration practice, which is exceptionally strong in Bangkok, alongside significant work in the Energy and Infrastructure sectors. | Premier firm for international arbitration. |
🇹🇭 Elite Independent Thai Firms
These firms are known for their profound understanding of Thai law, excellent relationships with local regulatory bodies, and their ability to successfully manage major domestic litigation and complex M&A deals involving Thai corporate giants.
1. Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners (Weerawong C&P)
A modern, award-winning firm that spun off from a major international practice, quickly establishing itself as a top-tier choice for sophisticated Corporate M&A, Capital Markets, and Restructuring matters. They are highly active in advising prominent Thai and international corporations.
2. Chandler MHM Limited (CMHM)
With a long and distinguished history (formerly Chandler & Thong-ek), CMHM is widely recognized for providing high-quality services, especially in Energy & Natural Resources, Infrastructure, and Corporate/M&A.
3. Siam Premier International Law Office Ltd.
A highly regarded full-service firm known for its strong litigation and arbitration practice, advising both multinational and local clients on a variety of legal issues.
4. Kudun and Partners (KAP)
A dynamic, full-service Thai firm established in 2015 that has rapidly gained recognition for its innovative approach in areas like Capital Markets, Private Equity, and FinTech, positioning itself as a leader among the new generation of Thai law firms.
🎯 Key Practice Areas Driving Demand in Bangkok
When selecting a law firm, it’s essential to match the firm’s core expertise to your specific needs:
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Corporate & M&A: Look to Baker McKenzie, Weerawong C&P, and A&O Shearman.
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Banking & Finance / Project Finance: Linklaters, A&O Shearman, and Chandler MHM are often involved in the largest infrastructure deals.
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Intellectual Property (IP): Tilleke & Gibbins is widely regarded as the market leader in this area.
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Dispute Resolution / Litigation: Herbert Smith Freehills, Tilleke & Gibbins, and Weerawong C&P have excellent reputations for high-stakes litigation and international arbitration.
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Fintech & Data Privacy (PDPA): The increasing focus on the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) has led firms like Tilleke & Gibbins and Kudun and Partners to develop cutting-edge regulatory practices.
