Herbert Smith Freehills hires Thai partner in boost to Asia litigation

Chinnawat Thongpakdee will join Herbert Smith Freehill’s Bangkok office as a partner, advising local and international companies on Thai disputes, as well as on arbitrations involving Thai parties.

Before joining Herbert Smith Freehills, Thongpakdee was a partner at Weerawong Chinnavat & Peangpanor, which spun off from White & Case when the firm pulled out of Thailand in 2008 (13 November 2008). He also used to be a secretary to the director general of the legal counsel department of the Thai government.

Herbert Smith Freehills’ Bangkok office is led by Surapol Srangsomwong, and includes two consultants who also specialise in disputes.

In a statement, Herbert Smith Freehills’ head of disputes for southeast Asia said: “We’re seeing a significant upswing in litigation, international arbitration and other disputes work throughout southeast Asia. Chinnawat is a senior disputes specialist with a well-established market reputation who will assist the team to target these opportunities, particularly in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.”

Earlier this month Herbert Smith Freehills Bangkok consultant Christopher Bailey left to join Ashurst in Singapore as a partner.