Chandler Mori Hamada stands as one of Thailand's largest and most prestigious full-service law firms, combining international standards with deep local expertise developed over decades. Through its integration with Japanese law firm Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, the firm offers sophisticated multi-jurisdictional capabilities backed by more than 100 legal professionals. The practice is particularly renowned for its banking and finance, energy and corporate and M&A work, with market-leading expertise in complex, large-scale energy projects under the leadership of senior partner Jessada Sawatdipong. The firm saw strategic growth in 2024, notably strengthening its capital markets practice with the addition of partner Doungporn Prasertsomsuk from A&O Sherman. While the construction and energy practices experienced the departure of counsel David Beckstead to Womble Bond Dickinson (US), they were reinforced by counsel Monsicha Pongrujikorn from Chevron, who brings cross-sector expertise in construction, infrastructure, energy and banking matters. The corporate and M&A practice enhanced its capabilities with the arrival of TMT specialist counsel Koraphot Jirachocksubsin from Kudun and Partners, following the departure of counsel Nuanporn Wechsuwanarux. The dispute resolution team maintained its service capabilities despite the departure of counsel Ittirote Klinboon, Rawi Meckvichai and senior associate Toon Thanakham to Rajah & Tann (Thailand).
Client feedback
"Their legal advice is precise yet practical, demonstrating a strong commercial mindset." – Banking and finance
"Deep experience in bond and guarantee documentation." – Capital markets
"Swift and accurate service delivery." – Corporate and M&A
"The team demonstrates deep regulatory expertise, precise legal analysis and consistently professional execution. Their strong understanding of Thai legal frameworks, particularly in corporate and M&A matters, enables them to manage complex issues with clear, practical solutions. Their responsiveness, attention to detail and ability to work under tight timelines are particularly valued." – Corporate and M&A
"Subject-matter experts providing clear commercial advice, with good regulatory connections and a broad bench of lawyers." – Energy
"Well-rounded knowledge and many years of industry experience, supported by a punctual and pleasant team." – Real estate
Arkrapol Pichedvanichok
"Service-minded with swift response times."
"A highly effective and trusted advisor who brings strong strategic thinking, clear commercial judgement and deep legal expertise to complex corporate and M&A matters. His hands-on involvement and ability to simplify difficult issues are particularly valued."
Doungporn Prasertsomsuk
"Very knowledgeable in the field with extensive experience in dealing with regulators and stakeholders."
"A market-leading practitioner in Thai capital markets work, offering reliable, decades-backed experience with a sensible and commercial approach."
Panupan Udomsuvannakul
"Very supportive and attentive to client issues and requirements."
Work highlights
Advised ThaiNamthip and ThaiNamthip Corporation on a major cross-border M&A transaction involving Coca-Cola's bottlers across Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, valued at $1.25 billion. The complex transaction included obtaining foreign business licence approval in Thailand, completing an intricate land carve-out exercise and executing minority share acquisitions in Laos and Cambodia, with Vietnam pending regulatory approvals. The landmark deal represents one of southeast Asia's largest beverage sector transactions, establishing a strategic bottling alliance between Coca-Cola and Swire Pacific across north Asean markets.
Key clients
Suntory Wellness, ThaiNamthip, YTL Hotel & Properties
Work highlights
Advised United Overseas Bank (Thai) as sole lead arranger on Precious Shipping's Bt1.36 billion ($41.6 million) dual-tranche sustainability-linked bond issuance. The transaction comprised two equal tranches of Bt680 million with five and ten-year tenors, backed by a guarantee from the Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility. The transaction is significant as the first sustainability-linked bond from an Asean shipping company, with PSL committing to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work by 38.54% by 2034.
Advised Advanced Info Service on the establishment of its medium-term note programme and issuance of Thailand's first telecommunications sector sustainability bonds, valued at Bt25 billion. The five-series bonds, with tenors ranging from three to 10 years, comprised public offerings and private placements to institutional and high-net-worth investors. The transaction is significant as the inaugural sustainability bond issuance by a Thai telecommunications company, with proceeds supporting ESG initiatives including 5G network expansion to improve connectivity in remote areas.
Advised Export-Import Bank of Thailand on its Bt3 billion blue bond issuance under its MTN programme, offered to institutional and high-net-worth investors to finance marine and ocean-based projects with positive environmental, economic and climate benefits. The transaction marks a significant milestone as the first blue bond issued by a Thai state-owned bank.
Key clients
Advanced Info Service Public Company, Bangkok Bank Public Company, Muangthai Capital Public Company
Work highlights
Advised Bangkok Bank on two facilities agreements totalling Bt72.68 billion for the Orange Line Mass Transit Project in Thailand. The financing comprised a Bt48.2 billion facility for civil works construction of the Orange Line – West Section and a Bt24.48 billion facility for mechanical and electrical works covering both West and East sections. The landmark project represents a significant milestone in Thailand's public transportation infrastructure development, involving complex public-private partnership structures and demonstrating the firm's expertise in large-scale infrastructure financing.
Represented Omega Logistic Campus in securing Bt5.7 billion green loan financing from United Overseas Bank (Thai) for the development of a modern automated warehouse project. The transaction represents a significant milestone in Thailand's logistics sector, marking one of the first green loan facilities for an automated warehouse development and demonstrating growing commitment to sustainable infrastructure in the warehousing industry.
Key clients
HSBC, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Thai) Public Company, Levanta Renewables (Thailand) Co
Work highlights
Represented BBAM Singapore in successfully repossessing a Boeing 737-800 aircraft valued at $30 million from Thai low-cost carrier Air Inter Transport following a lease default. The team navigated complex negotiations, civil and administrative court proceedings and regulatory procedures with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. The matter is significant as it marked the first aircraft deregistration under the new CAAT Regulation No. 44 of 2023, establishing important precedents for future aircraft repossession cases in Thailand.
Key clients
Air India Express, BOC Aviation, Thai AirAsia Co
Work highlights
Representing Siam Commercial Bank in providing financing to Thachang Green Energy for four waste-to-energy power plant projects across Thailand with a combined capacity of 30MW. The ongoing transaction involves comprehensive due diligence of concession agreements, permits and waste supply arrangements with local municipalities. The project represents a significant advancement in Thailand's renewable energy sector, supporting the country's greenhouse gas reduction goals while addressing waste management challenges through sustainable power generation.
Key clients
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Thai) Public Company, Kasikornbank Public Company, Levanta Renewables (Thailand) Co
Work highlights
Advised Lotus's Retail Growth Freehold and Leasehold Property Fund on its Bt32 billion conversion to Axtra Future City Freehold and Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust, involving 23 shopping centres across Thailand with approximately 340,000 sqm of leased space. The trust commenced trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in December 2024 under the management of Axtra Future City Property REIT Company, a subsidiary of CP Extra and CP Future City Development Corporation. The landmark transaction represents one of Thailand's largest REIT conversions to date, establishing AxtraRT among the country's top four REITs by value and creating a platform for future portfolio expansion through enhanced capital-raising capabilities.
Key clients
Charn Issara REIT Management Company, INET Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust, Quality Houses Leasehold Property Fund
