Strategies in Thailand to Protect and Recover Trademarks

Trademark registration is a fundamental element of investment strategy. Cost incurred in registering a trademark is considerably lower than cost associated with challenges to bad faith registrations by business partners, distributors or others, and the examination process in a trademark …

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Law Update – New Personal Data Protection Regulation – Data Protection Officer (DPO)

In Thailand the Personal Data Protection Act (the “PDPA”) has been in effect since 1 June 2022 and several subsequent clarifying notifications have since been issued by the Personal Data Protection Committee (“PDP Committee”) regarding preparation, maintenance, and security of …

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EMPLOYMENT: WORKING FROM HOME

EMPLOYMENT: WORKING FROM HOME Amendment No. 8 to Labour Protection Act, 1998 On 3 January 2023 Thailand’s Parliament approved Labour Protection Act (“LPA”) No. 8, which now awaits publication in the Government Gazette before coming into effect.  It will add …

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Thai company law changes effective 7 February 2023

An Act Amending the Civil and Commercial Code (“Amendment”) by introducing changes to corporate governance and transactional rules in private limited companies, as well as by introducing a two-part merger concept to replace the former amalgamation concept, was published in …

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INTRODUCTION OF NEW LONG-TERM RESIDENT (“LTR”) VISA  

Thailand is introducing a new LTR visa to boost economic recovery, investment and domestic spending in a sustainable way after the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Thai economy, particularly on the tourism sector. The government set a …

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THAILAND EXTENDS PERMISSION TO STAY FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS

To support economic recovery and mitigate the negative impact suffered by businesses in the tourism sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved a plan for extension of permission to stay in Thailand …

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Personal Data Protection Regulations

The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) came fully into effect on 1 June 2022, and four new regulations under the PDPA have recently been issued and took effect on 21 June 2022. We understand that more regulations are expected soon. …

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Thailand Revokes Test and Go and Sandbox Schemes – Retains Thailand Pass System – Reduces Insurance Requirements

Effective 1 May 2022 Thailand is revoking the Test and Go and the Sandbox Schemes, and reducing Covid-19 insurance requirements for non-Thai citizens entering the Kingdom. For those who for at least 14 days prior to the date of travel …

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Developments in Judicial Interpretation of Labor Law

Although one sometimes encounters reference to a “precedent” decision from the Thai courts, in fact the decisions of the Thai courts – although frequently persuasive – do not form part of the body of the law.  Divergences in judicial interpretation …

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Thailand’s Tax Relief Measures on COVID-19 for 2021

In response to the Thai Cabinet’s resolution on 26 January 2021, the following tax measures have been launched to relieve the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Lower Registration Fees for Residential Property Transactions To adopt the Thai Cabinet’s resolution, …

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Thailand Strengthens Child Labour Laws

On 23 February 2017, the liabilities and penalties for violations of child labour provisions were increased under the Labour Protection Act (No.5) B.E. 2560 (2017) (the “Amendment”). The Amendment is aimed at preventing the exploitation of child labour by creating …

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SEC To Announce Harsher Insider Trading Penalties

Listed company executives found guilty of unfair securities trading practices can expect to receive heavier penalties, as part of revised punishments expected to be announced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) later this month as reported in the Bangkok …

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Securities

The securities industry in Thailand has been the subject of significant change since the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98. Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Act B.E. 2535 is the main source of securities legislation, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of …

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Environmental and Construction

Environmental and construction laws are becoming inextricably linked in Thailand, and we closely monitor environmental legal developments within Thailand and regularly advise clients on all compliance matters. Our experience in dealing with the legal ramifications of environmental issues has grown …

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Property

We have substantial expertise and experience in real estate matters.  We have handled hundreds of transactions involving the sale, leasing and mortgaging of real property.  In property matters, we have represented a number of local and multinational corporations, and are …

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Anti-Corruption Laws

Thailand has enacted a variety of laws dealing with corruption and ethical standards in the public sector.  The laws applicable to foreigners, foreign entities, or other corporate vehicles with a foreign shareholding include the Thai Penal Code, the regulations concerning …

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Corporate/M&A

We are particularly strong in the field of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions.  We represent numerous large multinational corporate clients, offering the full range of services from incorporation to compliance. The creation of joint ventures in Thailand to meet with …

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Taxation

Tax issues arise inseparably from other legal matters. Applying Thailand’s tax laws to the often complex transactions that we advise on requires specialist local expertise of the sort we can provide. For example, Thailand takes a very expansive view of …

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Telecommunications

The telecommunications industry in Thailand is subject to its own sector-specific regulations and has greatly evolved over the past few decades.  As in many other countries, the telecommunication industry in Thailand began with infrastructures provided solely by the government, through …

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Employment & Labour

Our attorneys are well acquainted with the intricacies of Thai employment and labour law, as well as the practicalities of workplace relations and dealing with the Labour Court.  We have experience in such areas as non-compete agreements, trade secrets, severance, work …

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Visas & Work Permits

As many foreign business operators in Thailand can attest, work permit and visa issues are significant matters that, if not handled correctly, can place an entire business in jeopardy.  We have the necessary experience and expertise to ensure that expatriates …

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Hotels & Hospitality

We are the local counsel of choice for several large multinational hotel chains.  Our attorneys advise lenders, developers and owners and operators of hotel, resort and private residence club properties on virtually all aspects of their involvement in the hospitality …

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Insolvency & Restructuring

We are familiar with insolvency and debt restructuring matters and were at the forefront of the first bankruptcy reorganization cases in Thailand when introduced after the 1997 financial crisis.  We continue to act for a large number of creditors in …

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Intellectual Property

We act regularly in relation to registration, licensing and prosecution of trademark and patent rights and have broad experience in advising on technology transfer and franchising arrangements.  We are dedicated to maximizing the value and security of our clients’ intellectual …

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Banking & Finance

We have a wide variety of banking-related experience, and routinely advise both on-shore and off-shore financial institutions in relation to both regulatory and transactional issues, including lending and structured finance, capital markets, corporate finance, exchange control issues and the taking …

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Information Technology

Information Technology is an ever-increasingly important part of our daily lives on both a personal and commercial level.  As Thailand’s authorities grapple with the complexities of new technology and its rapid adoption, out-pacing the ability of the legislature, specialist local …

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Investment Related Laws

Foreign investment in Thailand is regulated by a range of legislation, official policies and Thai participation requirements.  In particular, the Foreign Business Act of 1999 (FBA) provides that companies with 50% or more foreign ownership are not permitted to engage …

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Consumer Protection and Regulatory Compliance

We are at the forefront in this field, representing a growing body of clients in relation to issues arising under Thailand’s rapidly developing consumer protection and competition legislation.  We can assist not merely by advising once allegations or claims have …

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Dispute Resolution

We have a full time litigation and dispute resolution department with experience handling a variety of commercial disputes.  Members of the litigation department have successfully handled cases in Thailand’s Supreme Court, Appellate Courts, Civil Courts, Criminal Courts, Intellectual Property and …

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