IAS Advisory partners on “A-List of Top 100 Lawyers in Thailand 2024”

Congratulations to IAS Advisory co-founding partners Mr Ittinant Suwanjutha, Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul, and Ms Siripen Kulworakulpitak for each being awarded a place on Asia Business Law Journal (ABLJ)’s latest “A-List of Top 100 Lawyers in Thailand.”

The A-List of Thailand’s top practitioners is based on independently researched, impartial feedback from professionals at a large number of Thai and global corporations and law firms. Also, on a systematic analysis of information provided by neutral secondary sources.

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Anuwat featured in ABLJ’s cover story on geopolitics & business in Asia

IAS Advisory co-founder Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul was pleased to contribute to Asia Business Law Journal (ABLJ)’s recent cover story and editorial feature “Risky Business,” which was published on Monday 25th November 2024.

Against a worrying backdrop of two hot wars, trade conflicts, tit-for-tat international sanctions and cyber-threats, ABLJ engaged some of the top lawyers and in-house counsel in Asia to discuss the specific geopolitical risks and threats that are impacting them, as well as their strategies for success and survival.

Jurisdictions covered in ABLJ’s feature include Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, South Korea, India, Indonesia, The Philippines, and Thailand.

Read the full cover story HERE.

MEDIA: things to be aware of before nationwide wage increase takes effect

The Thai government’s decision to increase the daily minimum wage rate in the country to THB 400 has been getting significant attention. While many advocate for higher wages to support workers, others are concerned about the overall impact on the economy.

Some analysts believe that businesses will simply pass on the additional labour costs to consumers, driving up the price of goods and services, limiting consumer spending, and potentially leading to higher inflation. Other analysts say that businesses will have no choice but to announce layoffs and redundancies.

As the law moves closer to implementation, it is important for both employers and employees to understand the broader economic consequences and their rights under this new policy.

Join the discussion with IAS Advisory co-founder Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul in an episode of the popular evening TV programme Home Economy, hosted by veteran news anchor, reporter and journalist Dr Wit Sittivaekin.

This episode premiered on Monday 11th November 2024 on Thai PBS, Thailand’s public broadcasting service. Disclaimer: all content is owned by Thai PBS. Visit the Thai PBS website here:: https://www.thaipbs.or.th/home

IAS Advisory helps support “Law Chula Fest 2024” by Chulalongkorn University

IAS Advisory was delighted to help support Chulalongkorn University‘s celebrated “Law Chula Fest 2024,” organised by students of the Faculty of Law.

“Law Chula Fest” takes place every academic year and aims to raise awareness, disseminate legal knowledge, and generate public engagement with the faculty. This year’s event, which took place on Saturday 26th October, saw more than 1,500 people participate.

The theme of Law Chula Fest 2024 was “Tomorrow Law” and activities included competitions, creative work contests, debates, exhibitions, mock court dramas (to help participants understand the Thai justice system), role-plays, and talk shows (discussing, among other things, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of legal practice).

There was also guidance and other simulated classroom activities to help show prospective students what studying at Chula’s prestigious Faculty of Law is like.

Assistant Professor Dr Pareena Srivanit, Dean of the Faculty of Law, presided over the opening ceremony and presented awards and certificates to the winners of each competition.

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Anuwat discusses “Foreign Laws Entrepreneurs Should Know” at NIA

IAS Advisory co-founder Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul was honoured to give a lecture at the National Innovation Agency (NIA)’s recent seminar for entrepreneurs.

The NIA, a former government agency under the Ministry of Science & Technology, is a public organisation that promotes national innovation projects in Thailand. It also creates opportunities to access and utilise systems and infrastructure. The agency’s goal is to transform supply into value chains based on the country’s competitive advantages and on sustainable values.

Attendees of the event, which took place on Monday 21st October, were welcomed by Dr Surarat Supachaturat, the NIA’s Deputy Director for Economic & Social Affairs. Other speakers included Dr Sutthirak Duangburong, Senior Innovation Developer from the NIA’s Economic Innovation Division.

Anuwat was invited to address entrepreneurs and other innovators who are considering expanding operations and leveraging joint business overseas. His lecture focused on international laws and practices they should be aware of to help ensure compliance and mitigate risk.

Prior to venturing into foreign markets, entrepreneurs should consider: business formation, registration and licensing laws; foreign investment rules and regulations; contract law; taxation; and trade regulations and import/export controls. Also, laws related to dispute resolution and data privacy and personal data protection.

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IAS Advisory hosts new cohort of interns from Amnuay Silpa School

The firm was delighted to welcome more interns from Amnuay Silpa School (ANS) for Work Experience Week.

Secondary School Year 13 students and high-achievers Ms Anna Chanviriyawut, Mr Kornkrit Roeksutthiwiset, Mr Pongsapoch Ruenpakwut, and Mr Bhumphakorn Thamprapas joined the firm’s internship programme for the week beginning Monday 14th October.

Anna, Kornkrit, Pongsapoch, and Bhumphakorn were conscientious and hard-working. They demonstrated a great willingness to learn about the legal industry and develop new skills during their time with us, and proved to be first-rate ANS representatives.

ANS is a Bangkok-based co-educational private school that teaches kindergarten, primary and secondary levels. Founded in 1926, its distinguished alumni include six prime ministers of Thailand. ANS is the only English/Thai bilingual school in the country awarded CIS (Council of International Schools) accreditation.

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MEDIA: Thailand to lift foreign condo ownership cap & extend lease terms

Home ownership is a dream for many Thai people. Yet, the number of mortgage applications being denied is rising steadily. The Thai government has announced stimulus measures to boost local people’s purchasing power but also to attract additional foreign investment into the country’s real estate sector. These measures include proposals to increase foreign ownership quotas for condominiums from 49% to 75% and extend land leasehold terms from 30-50 years to 99 years.

Concerns are being raised by local people about already soaring property prices and the impact on housing markets of foreigners using condos as buy-to-let investments.

But what form will the government’s proposed regulations actually take? How will the changes affect housing markets? How likely is it that homes will become unaffordable for local people? Are their concerns regarding foreign investment justified? What other regulations can be introduced to mitigate any adverse effects?

Join the discussion with IAS Advisory co-founder Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul in an episode of the popular evening TV programme Home Economy, hosted by veteran news anchor, reporter and journalist Dr Wit Sittivaekin.

This episode premiered on Thursday 12th September 2024 on Thai PBS, Thailand’s public broadcasting service. Disclaimer: all content is owned by Thai PBS. Visit the Thai PBS website here:: https://www.thaipbs.or.th/home

Anuwat gives “Personal Information Protection” address in Lao PDR

IAS Advisory co-founder Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul was greatly honoured to give an address as part of the special seminar “Personal data privacy compliance when carrying out business in Lao PDR,” which took place on Thursday 26th September at DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane in Lao PDR.

The event was organised by the Thai Business Association of Lao PDR (TBAL), Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), and the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Distinguished chairpersons of the seminar included H E Ms Morakot Sriswasdi (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Lao PDR), Mr Kawin Viriyapanich (Minister-Counsellor (Commercial), Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane, Lao PDR), and Mr Thamnong Pholthongmak (TBAL President).

In his address, Anuwat detailed how Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is affecting the way Thai companies are doing business, its impact on international transactions, and how the PDPA applies when conducting business operations in Lao PDR.

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IAS Advisory key sponsor for prestigious “Thailand ADR Week 2024”

IAS Advisory was delighted to support “Thailand Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week 2024,” which took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from 18th-20th September. Distinguished guests included Police Colonel Mr Tawee Sodsong, Thailand’s Justice Minister, and Ms Pongsawat Neelayothin, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Justice.

The theme of this year’s event was “Emerging Trends in ADR,” with sessions focused on charting the future of dispute resolution through international and regional developments. Attendees gained global perspectives and insights into regional and international ADR trends, best practices, and emerging legal frameworks. They heard expert analysis from renowned ADR practitioners, mediators and arbitrators, discussed the latest research, and learnt about cutting-edge approaches and upcoming initiatives and projects.

IAS Advisory co-founder Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul co-hosted the Day 2 session, “The ASEAN Way: Implications for Disputes along the OBOR (One Belt, One Road),” in which he discussed steps for conflict resolution and how to control potential damage.

He showed stakeholders how to be proactive in avoiding disputes arising from projects along the OBOR in ASEAN countries, and emphasised the need for clear, well-drafted contracts that align with local and international laws and incorporate pre-agreed dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or arbitration clauses, which can help address conflicts before they escalate.

IAS Advisory’s dispute resolution, litigation & arbitration head Mr Chumphon Macharoen also joined, together with associates Mr Tataraj Indrasukhsri and Mr Tanadej Kanitthanon.

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Anuwat leads practical sessions on PDPA at Kasetsart University

IAS Advisory co-founder Mr Anuwat Ngamprasertkul was pleased to lead practical sessions on data mapping and privacy risks at Kasetsart University‘s recent Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) seminar and workshop.

The event, titled “Managing and implementing personal data protection in educational institutions under the PDPA,” took place on Friday 13th September and was led by Assistant Professor Dr Ngamlamai Piolueang, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, who opened proceedings and awarded certificates to participants.

The purpose of the event was to highlight the importance of the PDPA. Given the large personal information stores and data flows in universities and other educational establishments, it is essential for staff to be aware of the practices and regulations that govern data protection to avoid misuse and ensure owners’ consent is obtained prior to data being used for any purpose.

Anuwat’s practical sessions also covered how to create necessary documents, such as consent forms and data processing agreements, and how to properly implement related policies.

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