You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

March 14, 2017

Tilleke & Gibbins Joins Thai Business Community in Pledging to Protect Wildlife and End Illegal Trade in Wildlife Products

On the occasion of Thai National Elephant Day on March 13, David Lyman, Chairman and Chief Values Officer of Tilleke & Gibbins, joined 14 top local business leaders in signing a pledge to oppose all use of illegal wildlife products, particularly elephant ivory, in order to reiterate their joint commitments to support wildlife conservation and end the illegal trade in wildlife products in Thailand.

The pledge, developed by WildAid, a San Francisco-based environmental nonprofit that is working to reduce global demand for wildlife products, has the following contents:

  • To lead by example in developing sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
  • Not to purchase, use, or give as gifts any illegal wildlife products and ivory.
  • To encourage friends, family, and employees never to purchase any illegal wildlife products.
  • To support efforts to conserve Thailand’s rich natural heritage and protect wildlife.

Joining David as signatories to the pledge was former deputy prime minister M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula , as well as top executives from Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited; Bangkok Rinvest Co., Ltd.; B. Grimm; Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd.; GP Group; Hana Microelectronics Group; Kasikorn Bank PCL; Minor International Public Company Limited; Ocean Glass Public Company Limited; Sukosol Hotels Group; Thai Environmental and Community Development Association (Magic Eyes); The Navakij Insurance Public Company Limited; and TMB Bank Public Company Limited. The pledge has received positive mention in local media, and it is expected that the initial 15 signatories will soon be joined by other business leaders in Thailand as this conservation campaign progresses.

Although Thailand has been identified as a hub for the trafficking of ivory and other wildlife products from Africa to China, through their recent pledges, David Lyman and local business leaders are sending a clear message that they will stand together in the fight to end the illegal trade in wildlife products in Thailand.

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

July 1, 2022
On June 30, 2022, Tilleke & Gibbins collaborated with Anderson Mori & Tomotsune to offer a Japanese-language webinar titled “Dispute Resolution in Thailand: Litigation, Arbitration, and Mediation” to spread awareness of dispute resolution principles in Thailand. In this online session, Chieko Tsuchiya, a consultant in Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution department in Bangkok office, provided a comprehensive overview of traditional and alternative dispute resolution in Thailand, covering litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Additionally, she guided attendees through procedures for each type and highlighted effective ways to enforce settlement agreements. At the end of the session, Chieko welcomed Chitchai Punsan, an experienced litigator from the same department, to assist in fielding queries and sharing practical advice with Japanese clients.
June 20, 2022
On June 17, 2022, two attorneys in the firm’s corporate and commercial group in Bangkok—Charuwan Charoonchitsathian, partner, and Gvavalin Mahakunkitchareon, associate—were keynote speakers for a special focus session organized by the Thailand office of Plug and Play Tech Center. During the session, Charuwan and Gvavalin walked attendees through the latest legal developments applicable to innovative technologies in the smart cities sector, including: Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, and internet of things (IOT); Data protection updates from the recent PDPA public hearings; and Evolving cybersecurity regulations. The Plug and Play Tech Center in Bangkok is the local branch of global startup ecosystem and innovation hub helping entrepreneurs gain access to expertise, guidance, and structural support needed to grow their business. For more information, please see the Plug and Play Tech Center website.
June 17, 2022
On June 16, 2022, Tilleke & Gibbins opened its Bangkok office for a press conference, executive meeting, and preview event for the upcoming Future Energy Asia & Future Mobility Asia Exhibition and Summit 2022. The event comprised three sessions—a media Q&A session, an executive committee meeting, and a networking cocktail reception and tour of the firm’s Museum of Counterfeit Goods. In the executive committee meeting, Joseph Tomkiewicz, partner and chair of the firm’s regional energy industry team (and member of the conference committee), was joined by high-profile representatives in the industry. Together they shared insights and discussed the future direction of the energy sector in Asia. The event concluded with a networking session and a tour of the firm’s well-known Museum of Counterfeit Goods. The opportunity to connect with other key players in the energy sector attracted top-level guests from leading organizations in Thailand and Southeast Asia, including the Ministry of Energy as well as BCPG, Bangkok Industrial Gas Company Limited, Energy Absolute, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and Schneider Electric. The Future Energy Asia & Future Mobility Asia Exhibition and Summit 2022 will take place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) on July 20–22. Joseph and Sher Hann Chua, consultant in the firm’s intellectual property group, will be guest speakers. For more information about the event, please visit the conference website.
June 15, 2022
On June 14, Auaychai Sukawong, partner and head of Tilleke & Gibbins’ regional tax practice, spoke at an OmegaWorldClass event in Bangkok titled “International Tax Planning in Practice.” The event focused on providing Thai companies with in-depth information to guide their outbound investment plans. Joined by other accomplished experts in the tax and legal sector, Auaychai shared his perspective on how careful tax planning can increase cash flow and minimize risk in international investment activities. He also added various practical insights from his work assisting investors and entrepreneurs with their international tax planning needs. OmegaWorldClass is an independent research institute based in Bangkok, founded to offer forward-looking business insights to corporate leaders and executives. The institute hosts conferences and seminars on a wide range of business-oriented topics. As one of Thailand’s foremost voices on tax issues—particularly tax structuring and tax planning strategies in Southeast Asia—Auaychai is a valuable addition to the OmegaWorldClass offerings.