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Watson Farley & Williams

Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Thailand

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Watson Farley & Williams

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About

Provided by Watson Farley & Williams

WFW Bangkok is a leading dispute resolution and international arbitration practice in Thailand. The team specialises in running high value international arbitrations for major global corporations in the main arbitration centres of the world.

Our team is sector agnostic, however, we have an excellent reputation and particular expertise in construction, energy, insurance and commodities dispute work.

Clients include investment banks, large corporations, shipping lines, airlines, global energy and natural resources companies, insurers and reinsurers and other noted law firms who do not have an offering in Thailand and increasingly litigation funders.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration - Thailand

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Watson Farley & Williams has a well-respected disputes practice recognised for its extensive experience in arbitration. Its Thailand-based practitioners are regularly involved in cross-border arbitration, including proceedings under ICC and SIAC rules. The litigation offering spans shipping, energy and insurance cases, and it also acts on fraud mandates. The team represents a combination of leading Thai corporates and global conglomerates.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Watson Farley & Williams advised a Chinese state-owned construction company on a Hong Kong-seated HKIAC arbitration relating to construction and payment disputes with CISSA (Thailand).

  • Watson Farley & Williams represented AGC Automotive against Renewable Energy for Thai People in a Thai civil court claim for breach of contract for the sale and installation of solar rooftops for a clean energy project in Amata City, Chonburi Industrial Estate, Thailand.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Watson Farley & Williams assist us in achieving a balance between resolving disputes and maintaining relationships. Their advice is clear and provides actionable plans with step-by-step guidance.

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The team are comprised of both experience counsellors and young, talented staff. Their advice shows strong commercial awareness.

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Kay Kian Tan
    Kay Kian Tan

    Kay Kian Tan

    Kay Kian Tan is well-versed in international arbitration and has extensive experience of maritime disputes. His practice also covers construction and representation for high-net-worth individuals.

    • He writes very well and is very creative with enforcement measures. He's very conscientious.

      Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Ratthakarn Boonnua
    Ratthakarn Boonnua

    Ratthakarn Boonnua

    Ratthakarn Boonnua has an established reputation for his litigation and arbitration practice, which includes expertise in insurance, energy and construction cases.

    • Ratthakarn is very knowledgeable in his field. His advice is based on the law but also includes commercial awareness.

      Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific

    • I appreciated his service.

      Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Steven Burkill
    Steven Burkill

    Steven Burkill

    Steven Burkill is a leading figure for international arbitration cases, especially ICC proceedings, acting for both Thai and international clients on a range of energy, construction and insurance mandates.

    • I am confident in Steven Burkill's oversight and selection of capable resources for each case.

      Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Steven is excellent all-round.

      Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha
    Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha

    Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha

    Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha provides broad coverage of contentious matters in Thailand. He regularly handles cases relating to energy, construction and insurance.

    • Tossaporn is no doubt a highly experienced lawyer. He understands the complexity of cases and always provides commercially useful advice. His analytical skills are beyond outstanding.

      Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Watson Farley & Williams (5)

Thailand

  • Profile image of Kay Kian Tan

    Kay Kian Tan

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration

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  • Profile image of Steven Burkill

    Steven Burkill

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration

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  • Profile image of Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha

    Tossaporn Sumpiputtanadacha

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration

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Members

Provided by Watson Farley & Williams

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