Sakchai Limsiripothong

Senior Partner


Contact Details

T: + 66 2 264 8000
F: + 66 2 657 2222
Email:

Sakchai Limsiripothong has extensive experience representing clients in litigation, and domestic and international arbitration. He has expertise in commercial, construction, banking, bankruptcy, business reorganization, employment, intellectual property, tort, and trade matters, as well as labour and white-collar crime matters in particular. Sakchai was honored to be Legal Counsel to a Thai Senator, 2005-2006. He was active in the committees of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, including Foreign Affairs (2000-2004) and Notaries Public (2004-2006). He is a guest lecturer at national universities, where he teaches litigation, labour law, bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, and preparation of legal documents. He is a contributing author to “Court Procedures and Bankruptcy Law in Thailand” (World Bank 2004-2021). 

Recent Experience

Commercial Litigation

Representation of an international hotel company in Thai court proceedings for the enforcement of a successful arbitral award. The Court granted our petition to enforce the arbitral award (valued at approximately THB 49 million) and dismissed the application to set aside the award in December 2022.

Representation of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, official export credit agency of the Federal Government of the United States and a major creditor of Thai Petrochemical Industry Public Company Limited, in the successful defense of tort claims valued at THB 190 billion (approximately USD 5.9 billion) in the largest claim in the Central Bankruptcy Court to date. This case was considered an Impact Case by Asialaw Awards and Benchmark Litigation Awards (2020 and 2021). 

Representation of one of the major property developers in Thailand in relation to disputes between the major shareholders of the company in a project that had been recognized at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2019-2020 (High-Rise Development category (Thailand)), in which the disputed project value was THB 6,500 million (approximately USD 203 million), regarding many civil cases between the major shareholders of the company. 

Representation of one of the largest property funds in Thailand in relation to a land dispute and a wrongful act against the landlord, with many defendants residing in the United States of America, in which compensation of more than THB 500 million (approximately USD 15 million) was claimed. 

Representation of Coats GmbH (Germany), the world’s leading industrial thread manufacturer and a major player in the American textile craft market, in a case involving allegations of breaches of an exclusive distributorship agreement and tortious acts valued at THB 203 million (approximately USD 6.3 million). 

Representation of the CEO and directors of GMM Grammy Public Company Limited, a leader in the fully-integrated entertainment business in Thailand, in a matter related to the COVID-19 situation and the major business of the company. 

Representation of Taiyo Holdings Co., Ltd. and its affiliated companies, the world’s leading manufacturers of printed wiring boards and a major listed company in Japan, in both criminal and civil litigation, setting a precedent in Thailand regarding an act of dishonesty by a shareholder in the exercise of the shareholder’s legal rights. 

Representation of Nalco Industrial Services Thailand Co., Ltd., a Thai subsidiary of Ecolab Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers of chemical products and providers of technical services, in a dispute against General Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the manufacturer of Chevrolet automobiles in Thailand, concerning a breach of contract and the unilateral early termination of the contract. 

Representation of the owner and director of several hotels and a shareholder in a THB 1,400 million (USD 45 million) dispute in relation to the hotels. The shareholders in the hotels, including the TUI Group, one of the largest multinational tourism companies and based in Germany, brought a civil action against the management of the hotels based on mismanagement and white-collar crime, while the enforceable assets were located in Thailand. The dispute also involved criminal cases regarding fraud, employment law, and an investigation into internal controls. Weerawong C&P worked in cooperation with a German law firm as the shareholder agreements were governed by German law. 

Representation of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, Thailand’s largest and Asia's leading integrated petrochemical and refining company, in a civil case defending against a claim for compensation of more than THB 9,300 million (approximately USD 290.6 million) in relation to supply agreements.

Representation of a major Thai airline (with Chinese investors) in several civil matters, including the successful defense of a dispute in relation to a loan agreement involving the transfer of money in China, Hong Kong, and Thailand valued at THB 1,500 million (approximately USD 46.8 million). 

Representation of a leading financial services company in Thailand, as well as its CEO, directors, and executive management, in successful legal proceedings regarding defamation and wrongful act claims filed by the top legal management of the company. 

Representation of Fitness First, an international fitness chain and the largest privately-owned health club in Thailand, in successfully obtaining compensation for systematic fraud by an employee at the top management level. 

Representation of the owner of Madame Beauty Co., Ltd. (Thailand - Australia), one of the largest cosmetic companies in Thailand, and a former director of Paula’s Choice Thailand Co., Ltd. in a commercial dispute involving a distributorship agreement with an Australian and American company, valued at THB 350 million (approximately USD 10.9 million).

Representation of KMW Leasing II, LLC (United States of America) against a major Thai airline in successfully obtaining compensation in relation to a breach of the rental agreement and repossession of an aircraft. The value of the claim and counter-claim was THB 250 million (approximately USD 7.8 million). 

Representation of Credit Suisse in several cases in connection with a breach of THB 7,500 million (approximately USD 250 million) facility agreement.

Representation of Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited, TMB Bank Public Company Limited, Kasikorn Bank Public Company Limited and Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited, four major banks in Thailand in a civil case against the Thai Pollution Control Department. The THB 2,797,000,000 (approximately USD 87.4 million) claim involved a bank guarantee in connection with one of Thailand’s largest construction projects.

Construction

Representation of THK Real Estate Company Limited, a multi-national engineering construction company and real estate developer in a civil case defending against a major Thai real estate company which claimed THB 6,482,000,000 (approximately USD 202.5 million) in relation to a construction agreement.

Representation of Nippon Steel Engineering Company Limited (Japan), one of the largest Japanese engineering construction companies in a civil case defending against a THB 1,712,000,000 (approximately USD 53.5 million) claim by one of the largest Korean engineering companies.

White Collar Crime

Advised a leading storage company in Singapore and throughout Asia on Thai anti-bribery and corruption laws in connection with its Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, Global Travel and Entertainment Policy and Code of Ethics.

Representation of a company registered in Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of printed wiring boards and a major listed company in Japan, and its affiliated companies in both criminal and civil litigation in connection with a dispute with a former director regarding false statements and conduct in bad faith. 

Representation of directors of a public company limited, the sole operator of the largest chain of convenience stores and the leading retail convenience store operator in Thailand, and the top management in a criminal liability case under the Copyright Act. 

Representation of an Indonesian entrepreneur in several civil and criminal disputes with the co-owner of a technology and cloud computing business in Thailand. The case involved control of the company, as well as cross-border embezzlement of funds and misappropriation of investments procured through many successive years of fraud. The amount in dispute was USD 25 million. (2019)

Defending the CEO of a real estate company and other eminent personnel involved in an offence regarding the filing of a false criminal charge against the former CEO in connection with a major shopping mall project in Phuket. 

Representation of a major Thai airline (Chinese Investors) in the prosecution of a white-collar crime case in relation to fraud against previous directors of the company involving a transfer of money in Singapore, China, Hong Kong  and Thailand valued at THB 200,000,000 (approximately USD 6.2 million). (2016-present)

Representation of an international automotive company (Japan),  a subsidiary of one of the largest Japanese corporate groups, as the co-plaintiff with the public prosecutor in a successful criminal lawsuit against a former manager in relation to embezzlement of more than 180 cars, valued at THB 80,000,000 (approximately USD 2.5 million).  (2016-present)

Representation of a major sugar production company in Thailand, a subsidiary of one of the largest Japanese corporate groups, in the prosecution of a white-collar crime case in relation to fraud as well as the improvement of internal systems. (2018)

Representation of a leading property developer in Thailand, in the prosecution of a white collar crime case in relation to fraud against one of the top managers of the company. (2018)

Representation of the shareholders, directors and CEO of Cyklop Group (Germany), one of the world's largest packaging companies, successfully in a white-collar crime and civil case arising as a result of serious disputes between the Cyklop Group and the solely authorized director of its subsidiary in Thailand. The firm conducted strategic proceedings to maintain control of the companies, subsidiaries and directorship in Thailand. (2016-2017)

Representation of an international petroleum company (England), in a successful criminal lawsuit against a former manager in relation to fraud valued at THB 150,000,000 (approximately USD 4.6 million). 

Business Rehabilitation

Representation of a leading Chinese airline company in defending cases filed by its creditors under several credit and service agreements in the court of Thailand and the Thai Arbitration Institute. The claims were approximately THB 69 million. (Conducted in both Thai and English)

Representation of the Planner and Plan Administrator of Thai Petrochemical Industry Public Company Limited / IRPC Public Company Limited, a pioneer  in the integrated petrochemical industry in South East Asia, in several civil and criminal cases as a consequence of the administration of debts of more than THB 120,000,000,000 (approximately USD 3,750 million).

Representation of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (Japan), Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (Singapore) Ltd. and Export Import Bank of Thailand in the business reorganization proceedings of a major ceramic company in Thailand under the Central Bankruptcy Court involving a debt of more than THB 2,900,000,000 (approximately USD 90.6 million).

Representation of TAEL Partners (Singapore), a leading financial institution in Asia in the business reorganization process of its debtor under the Central Bankruptcy Court involving a debt of more than THB 3,886,000,000 (approximately USD 121.4 million).

Real Estate

Representation of All Inspire Public Company Limited, a leading property developer in Thailand, in more than ten cases involving a real estate disputes in a prime area in Bangkok. The total amount in dispute was THB 392 million (approximately USD 12 million). 

Representation of Esso, an integrated petroleum and petrochemical business, operating a full range of downstream businesses in Thailand, in relation to a USD 15 million claim with the Ministry of Transport and the Administrative Court for additional compensation for land appropriation. 

Representation of Nirvana Daii, one of the key players in the Thai real estate market, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, in a dispute in connection with a joint venture with a Singapore-registered company in relation to one of the largest luxury condominium projects in Bangkok, with a value of over THB 6,500 million (approximately USD 200 million).

Representation of ECC Chiangmai Project 1 Co., Ltd. (“ECC”), the owner and operator of a community mall in Chiangmai, in bankruptcy and insolvency cases filed simultaneously, resulting in ECC being forced to suspend its operations. Weerawong C&P enabled the company to operate during the receivership and negotiated with creditors to receive a debt reconciliation over THB 3,000 million. Moreover, the team brought famous-franchises such as KFC, Starbucks and one of the biggest construction materials store of Thailand to sign an agreement with the Client, adding value to ECC operations. This is the first case in Thailand where the business remained in operation despite obtaining an absolute receivership order from the Central Bankruptcy Court. (2019-2020)

Representation of numerous property funds of TCC Land Company Limited, one of the leading property developers in Thailand, in several civil cases over the ownership of a number of large plots of land in Bangkok and southern Thailand. The value of the disputed lands is more than THB 10,000,000,000 (approximately USD 312.5 million). (2015-present)

Representation of the Crown Property Bureau, a Thai quasi-government agency responsible for managing the property of the Crown of the Kingdom of Thailand in several civil land disputes - one case involving a claim of more than THB 1,039,000,000 (approximately USD 32.4 million).

Representation of Royal Phuket Marina Company Limited, a development company that constructed one of Asia’s largest marina projects, in relation to a land dispute. The value of the marina project on the disputed land was more than THB 6,000,000,000 (approximately USD 187.5 million).

Representation of Triple T Broadband Company Limited, one of the largest companies operating a high speed ADSL network broadband internet service in Thailand, in legal actions involving claims of more than THB 2,379,000,000 (approximately USD 74.3 million).

Employment and Labour

Representation of Skillpower, a member of the Manpower Inc. group, a world leader in the employment service industry, in a case before the Central Labour Court regarding the disclosure of confidential information that had a significant impact on the employment market and trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the termination of employment of a senior executive. 

Representation of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, operator of the largest hospital group in Thailand, in several cases, including one of the highest-value claims before the Central Labour Court of more than THB 500 million (approximately USD 15.6 million). 

Representation of ASEAN’s leading exhibition organizer and a member of the world’s leading event organizer, which organizes high-profile industry events throughout the world, in connection with disputes and cases involving several labour matters before the Central Labour Court, filed by top management who used to be employees of the company. 

Representation of RRB Group Private Co., Ltd, the owner of international luxury brand hotels and resorts in a labour dispute re grounds for dismissal filed by one of its high-level employees in the Central Labour court of Thailand.

Representation of a leading financial company in Thailand, its CEO, directors and executive management in relation to labour disputes filed by the top legal management of the company. (2017-present)

Representation of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, operator of the largest hospital group in Thailand, in several cases, including one of the highest value claims of the Central Labour Court for more than THB 500 million (approximately USD 15.6 million). 

Representation of Mitsui Company Limited (Japan), one of the leading Japanese companies in several legal actions in connection with labour law, criminal law and contract law.

Representation of the owner of international luxury brand hotels and resorts in an employment dispute filed at the Central Labour Court by high-level employees in connection with grounds for dismissal. 

Intellectual Property / Copyright and Patent

Representation of CP All Public Company Limited, the sole operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores, the largest retail convenience store in Thailand, in copyright and patent cases at the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court. (2017-present). 

Representation of Mainmark Group Engineering (Australia) in regard to copyright law, trade secrets and confidentiality agreement against a previous top management of the company at the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court. (2016-2017).

Representation of Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC) in a case in relation to the installation of telephone towers all over Thailand.

Other clients in pre-litigation and litigation matters include GE Capital, Mizuho Bank Ltd., Wells Fargo Bank International Operations, Mitsui & Co. (Thailand) Limited, HOYA Corporation, Ford Motor Company Limited, Bridgestone Corporation, The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, Accor Group, GMM Grammy Public Company Limited, United Overseas Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited, Major Development Public Company Limited, TOIC Investments Ltd., TAEL One Partners Ltd., Nakornthai Strip Mill Public Company Limited, Siam Indica Company Limited, and Thai Otsuka Company Limited.

Publications

‘Anti-bribery rules in Thailand: A simple guide’, Asia Business Law Journal, 2024

‘Thailand’, A Guide to Anti-Corruption Legislation in the Asia Pacific, 7th edition, Clifford Chance, 2023


 

Education

LL.B., Ramkhamhaeng University, 1992

LL.M., Commercial and Corporate Law, University of New South Wales Australia, 2000

Advanced Diploma in International Business, Australia, 1998

Certificate, International Property Law, Institute of Legal Education, 2001

Certificate, Institute of Intellectual Property & Professional Training, Thailand, 2006

Bar Admissions

Thai Bar Association, Lawyers License of Thailand, admitted 1994

Notary Public Services, Lawyers Council of Thailand, 2003

Citizenship

Thai

Languages

Thai, English

Recent Accolades

Dispute Resolution:

- Asia Super 50 Disputes Lawyers, Asian Legal Business, 2022, 2024

- Thailand’s Top 100 Lawyers, Asia Business Law Journal, 2021-2024

- Lawyer of the Year, Benchmark Litigation Awards, 2020-2022

- Litigation Star - Commercial and Transactions, Benchmark Litigation, 2020-2024

- Distinguished Practitioner - Dispute Resolution, Asialaw Profiles, 2019-2024

- Band 2 – Dispute Resolution, Chambers and Partners, 2023-2025

- Recommended Lawyer - Dispute Resolution, The Legal 500, 2017-2025

- Recommended Lawyer – International Arbitration, The Legal 500, 2022-2023

- Recommended Lawyer, Employment, Chambers and Partners, 2021-2023

- Outstanding Practitioner: Thailand, Asialaw Regional Awards, 2019

- Impact Case – TPI record USD 6.4 billion tort dispute, Asialaw and Benchmark Litigation Awards, 2020

Restructuring and Insolvency:

- Highly Regarded Lawyer - Restructuring and Insolvency, IFLR1000, 2020-2024

- Recommended Lawyer - Restructuring and Insolvency, The Legal 500, 2017-2019

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