Noppramart Thammateeradaycho, a counsel in Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution practice, has been appointed to the new panel of arbitrators announced recently by the Shanghai Arbitration Commission (SHAC). Noppramart, who was one of two attorneys from Thailand named to the new SHAC arbitration panel, will provide particular support in relation to arbitration of disputes involving the maritime, transportation, insurance, and construction sectors. She is joined on the panel by arbitrators from a wide range of professional backgrounds, with expertise diverse fields including economics, judicial procedure, business, intellectual property, finance, and many more. SHAC, which has grown considerably since its establishment in 1995, is one of the major international arbitration institutions in China. It provides alternative dispute resolution services to companies, organizations, and individuals involved in contentious matters that both parties have agreed to resolve through arbitration rather than litigation.

On December 15–16, Kasamesunt Teerasitsathaporn and Pongpalin Chantrapirom of the firm’s dispute resolution group in Bangkok offered a two-part Thai-language webinar series titled “Violations of the Personal Data Protection Act and Case Studies in Europe” to equip Thai businesses with proper knowledge and understanding before Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act comes into full effect in June 2022. In the webinar series, Kasamesunt and Pongpalin provided a comprehensive overview of obligations of the data controller and data processor; discussed civil liability, criminal offenses, and administrative penalties; addressed enforcement structures; covered complaint proceedings; and shared case studies from Europe to highlight mistakes that Thai companies should learn from. Video recordings of the two parts (in Thai) are available on the Tilleke & Gibbins YouTube channel.

On December 8, Yuwadee Thean-ngarm, director of Tillke & Gibbins’ Myanmar office, delivered a Thai-language webinar entitled “Employment Law in Myanmar: Employee Contract, Public Holidays, and Returning Visas,” hosted by the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM). Joined by two distinguished speakers from leading Thai and Myanmar businesses, Yuwadee provided a comprehensive presentation on employment law in Myanmar and discussed the following matters: Overview of employment contracts; Mandatory entitlements; Taxation of employment income; Termination of employment; and COVID-19 vaccination issues. A video recording of the session (in Thai) is available on the TBAM Facebook page.

Tilleke & Gibbins’ 2021 Annual Employment Law Forum Webinar Series ran from November 17 to 30. This year, the forum offered 11 sessions on a range of in-demand topics related to labor law in Thailand and Vietnam. Video recordings of all session are linked to in the descriptions below. The sessions during the first week were led by lawyers from Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution group: On November 17, Chusert Supasitthumrong and Jessada Anasura gave a Thai-language presentation on the legal framework for termination of employment, scope of duties, and liability of employees after employment contracts end, with a particular focus on COVID-19. On November 17, Piyawat Vitooraporn and Thatporn Vanajak highlighted practical issues related to employment conditions and risks that employers should be aware of in a Thai-language session titled “Employment Conditions: Practical Issues and Cautions.” On November 18, Dutsadee Dutsadeepanich and Jidapa Srisummacheep led a session on forced resignation under Thai law. On November 19, Pongpalin Chantrapirom and Pathanin Sornchangwat gave a presentation titled “Employers’ Commanding Power, Discipline, and Disciplinary Actions.” On the second week of the 2021 Annual Employment Law Forum, Tilleke & Gibbins’ Thailand corporate and commercial team delivered the following presentations: On November 24, Pimvimol Vipamaneerut and Ketnut Pukahuta presented a Thai-language session on transfer of employment issues. On November 25, Pimvimol Vipamaneerut and Dusita Khanijou delivered an English-language session titled “Transfer of Employment under Thai Labor Laws” in which they covered many similar issues as on the previous day. On November 26, Penrurk Phetmani concluded the second week in an English-language session titled “Update on Work Permits and Visas in Thailand” moderated by Nutavit Sirikan on work permit and visa updates. On the final week of the forum, Tilleke & Gibbins’ labor teams in Bangkok and Vietnam presented the following discussions: On November