Category: News

Blumenthal Richter & Sumet is cooperating with a number of prominent organizations to co-sponsor the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) International ADR Webinar Series 2021 – Managing Disputes in an Uncertain World: Challenges and Opportunities on 29 July – 7 October 2021.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Proceedings have moved online and protocols for virtual hearings have been drafted and proposed. New virtual platforms have been launched and social events have been converted to webinars. This is the “New Normal” in the ADR field.

The THAC International ADR Webinar Series will aim to discuss these changes, new developments and future opportunities in ADR. In particular, among other topics the series will cover:

Changes and innovations in ADR proceedings demanded by the new global situation – their effectiveness, further implementation methods and challenges

Online hearings vs. in-person hearings – effectiveness and suitability of cross-examination by online hearing, cutting costs by online hearings, improving the online experience and virtual hearings after normal life returns

Amend existing rules or develop new platform – should existing rules be amended to include provisions on online proceedings, or should an entirely new platform be developed for online dispute resolution

Support staff and unsung roles – what are the requirements and standards support staff should meet to participate in arbitral proceedings

Confidentiality – the need to preserve data confidentiality, who takes charge of the platform used and what are the parties’ rights and who is liable in the case of data leakage

If you would like to find out more about this event, please download the THAC International ADR Webinar Series 2021 brochure.

The latest edition of the Art of Deal Making: Using External Expertise Effectively has been published, and Robert H. Schuler, Senior Partner at Blumenthal Richter & Sumet and head of the firm’s Real Estate practice, contributed the real estate chapter covering Thailand to the guide. In particular, the chapter covers:

• Importance of local market intelligence to effective cross-border real estate transactions in the current COVID-19 market
• Key elements involved in achieving an accurate valuation for a real estate portfolio prior to the deal making process
• Top tips to optimize a real estate portfolio

The Art of Deal Making: Using External Expertise Effectively is a collaboration between IR Global members and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) which offers jurisdiction-specific advice on using external expertise effectively.

The Thailand chapter can be read below or downloaded here: Art of Deal Making: Using External Expertise Effectively.

Disclaimer:

This document is of a general nature only and is provided as an information service. It is not intended to be relied upon as, nor is it a substitute for specific professional advice. No responsibility can be accepted by Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd. for any losses or damages incurred by any person doing anything as a result of this document.

Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) (“PDPA”) will be fully enforced on 1 June 2021, one year after it was partially postponed due to the Thai government’s recognition that implementing compliance with PDPA law is complex and therefore costly and requires advanced training at all levels.

As the PDPA will soon be enforced, businesses should demonstrate that they are fully compliant with the PDPA to gain the trust of their customers, suppliers, shareholders, stakeholders and the general public, and at the same time mitigate the risk of a data leakage which may cause negative reputational damage and open the door for damaged persons to take legal action against the business owner under general rules.

Blumenthal Richter & Sumet provides comprehensive PDPA services including GAP Analysis, key compliance documents and training which:

• Help management, the steering committee, working team and potential Data Protection Officer understand the fundamentals of PDPA compliance
• Identify PDPA exposure on your current business structure and recommend how to mitigate the risks
• Visualize your end-to-end flow of personal data collected inside your organization and that which flows out to others
• Provides key PDPA compliance document templates for implementation
• Build your staff awareness of PDPA compliance
• Mitigate non-compliance risk, penalties under the PDPA and your negative reputational risk
• Promote your transparency and government on data privacy

Disclaimer:

This document is of a general nature only and is provided as an information service. It is not intended to be relied upon as, nor is it a substitute for specific professional advice. No responsibility can be accepted by Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd. for any losses or damages incurred by any person doing anything as a result of this document.

The Legal 500, one of the leading legal directory publications worldwide, has released its 2021 edition and Blumenthal Richter & Sumet has been awarded top rankings in Thailand, as follows:

• Tier 1 – Technology, Media and Telecommunications (“TMT”)
• Tier 2 – Tax
• Tier 3 – Corporate and M&A (including Capital Markets)

In the editorial accompanying the rankings, the firm is described as “adept in advising on corporate acquisitions and foreign direct investment mandates”.

Praising the firm’s tax practice, the editorial writes “Blumenthal Richter & Sumet’s tax practice is active in numerous industries including the automotive, natural resources, mining and life sciences.” “Sumet Mingmongkolmitr is leading the team and is recognised for his expertise in tax issues relating to foreign investment and offshore tax structuring”, it continues. “He represents high-net-worth individuals and multinational corporations on their tax operations in Thailand”.

The firm’s TMT practice was also commended in the editorial, which said “The firm offers expertise in relation to a broad array of TMT matters such as data centre outsourcing, data privacy matters and software development”. “Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd acts for Thai and foreign clients established in or seeking to establish themselves in the digital and technology spheres”, it continues.

The Legal 500 publishes annual rankings of law firms which are determined through an assessment of law firms’ submissions, client feedback and independent market research. An emphasis is placed on teams that provide the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel, and other factors such as technical ability, reputation for handling complex and innovative deals, perception in the market, prestigious clients, capacity for the largest transactions and cases, market share, historical track record on top deals and cases, clear investment for the future in a particular practice area and progress with acquiring new clients, are considered.

If you would like to view the full rankings, please visit The Legal 500 website.