Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group, was quoted in a recent article from the Financial Times on how law firms are helping clients tackle cybersecurity risks and navigate fast-evolving regulatory landscapes for data protection and cybersecurity in Asia. In the article, Nop commented on recent Thai legislation that requires companies monitoring the behavior of residents to have a local data privacy representative in the country. She explained that this has created a client-service opportunity for Tilleke & Gibbins, which set up a digital solutions service that allows the firm to be the representative in Thailand for existing clients, including Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook. This helps clients become compliant and avoid having to set up their own local representative in Thailand. Nop also discussed enforcement of the country’s fledgling Personal Data Protection Act and related regulations. “Last year, when the law was implemented, the regulator’s approach was more educational,” she told Financial Times. “This year, I would expect the regulator to start imposing fines. They are starting to enforce more strictly.” Tilleke & Gibbins Digital Solutions is a first-of-its-kind service in Thailand, and it demonstrates the proactive approach the firm takes in addressing cybersecurity and data privacy. The firm’s data protection team—led by counsel Nopparat Lalitkomon—remains committed to helping clients navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and compliance.

Dino Santaniello, head of Tilleke & Gibbins in Laos, and Naiyane Xaechao, a paralegal in the Vientiane office, recently met with officials from the Department of Cybersecurity in Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications, as well as representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos (ECCIL), to discuss a white paper drafted by the firm regarding the Law on Electronic Data Protection. The aim of the meeting was to provide recommendations for amending the law to comply with international standards on data privacy while also taking into account the unique needs of Laos. During the discussion, Dino and Naiyane shared their deep knowledge and expertise in the field of data protection as they addressed various questions raised by the officers and ECCIL representatives. The meeting showcased Tilleke & Gibbins’ commitment to staying up-to-date on legal developments and working closely with government officials to ensure that laws are fair and effective for all stakeholders. The firm’s white paper and the valuable insights shared by Dino and Naiyane will contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen data protection in Laos and bring the country closer to international standards.

Wiramrudee “Pink” Mokkhavesa, a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property department in Bangkok, was recently interviewed about the fight against counterfeit goods on an episode of the Bangkok Podcast. Wiramrudee is highly sought after for her expertise in combating counterfeiters across the region, and is a key resource person in Thailand on anticounterfeiting measures and intellectual property enforcement. In the podcast episode, Wiramrudee spoke about Tilleke & Gibbins’ Museum of Counterfeit Goods, which is located in the firm’s Bangkok office and displays various fake products from the firm’s intellectual property enforcement work over the years. She also laid out the staggering size of the counterfeit goods market both in the region and around the word—which has been estimated to account for between 2 and 3 percent of all global trade. Together, Wiramrudee and the podcast host discussed common questions about the impact of counterfeit goods, such as whether counterfeit goods are always harmful—even when consumers are aware that the products they are buying are fake. Wiramrudee offered reasons why counterfeits are harmful, including decreased durability and the potential for harm, as well as the impact on creators and the economy as a whole. The conversation also considered the role of the Thai government in enforcing laws related to counterfeits and how Tilleke & Gibbins advises clients on protecting and capitalizing on their intellectual property as they conduct business in Thailand. To learn more about the complex issue of counterfeit goods, listen to the full podcast episode below.  

Attorneys from Tilleke & Gibbins in Thailand have contributed to Model Clauses for Contracting in Asia, which was released recently by the Asian Business Law Institute (ABLI) under its Contract Laws in Asia project. The publication provides a neutral framework for parties entering into cross-border contracts, regardless of the governing law or subject matter of the contract. In today’s increasingly globalized economy, parties to commercial contracts are often based in different jurisdictions, with varying contract laws, legal labels, and languages. This often results in one of the parties entering into a contract governed by the laws of an unfamiliar jurisdiction. Similarly, if the parties opt for a neutral governing law, they may both be unfamiliar with the laws that govern their contract. To address these challenges, Model Clauses for Contracting in Asia provides enforceable model clauses that are jurisdiction-neutral and applicable to any contract subject matter. Each model clause is designed to be enforceable irrespective of which jurisdiction is selected as the governing law and irrespective of the subject matter of the contract. Tilleke & Gibbins has also contributed to earlier publications released by ABLI under the project, including insights on contract breaches and administrative and tax requirements. Model Clauses for Contracting in Asia is available for purchase here, or a free preview version can be downloaded here.