LLM, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
LLB, Thammasat University
+66 2056 5507 
Chaiwat Keratisuthisathorn is a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group and head of the firm’s real estate practice in Thailand. He advises on the full spectrum of real estate transactions—including acquisitions, disposals, leases, and development—covering property law, legal and land due diligence, title searches and transfers, transaction documentation, and registration of property rights at the land office. He is ranked as a leading real estate lawyer in Thailand by Chambers Asia-Pacific, Asialaw Profiles, and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific.
Chaiwat is also active in M&A, regularly leading legal due diligence for major transactions, including supporting global clients in the acquisition of large land plots for industrial and manufacturing projects, and advising on cross-border investments and joint ventures. His corporate work includes advising on establishing and operating businesses in Thailand—such as limited companies, representative offices, and branch offices—obtaining foreign business licenses and certificates, providing corporate secretarial services, and advising on immigration and work permits. He is regularly sought after by multinational clients for his expertise in structuring complex real estate and commercial transactions, and is recognized for his practical, business-oriented approach.
He holds an LLB from Thammasat University and an LLM from Case Western Reserve University. Chaiwat is a member of the Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Thai Bar Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce.
- Successfully assisted BTicino (Thailand) Limited, the Thai subsidiary of an Italian metalworking company, in obtaining a factory expansion license from Thailand’s Ministry of Industry.
- Assisted the Thai subsidiary of one of the world’s leading container transportation and shipping companies in the negotiation and review of a 20-year sublease agreement and related securities agreements/documents for a 36,700 sq.m. plot of land that the client will use as a container yard/depot. Notably, the agreed upon rental fee for the land was THB 600 million (approx. USD 18.7 million).
- Advised a global diversified media and entertainment company on property lease agreements (valued at approx. USD 1 million total) for three separate filming sites in Bangkok, including careful drafting of lease agreements to include demolition and construction rights.
- Worked with a major international law firm to advise a leading Japanese multinational conglomerate on tenancy termination issues stemming from lease agreements between the client and an American commercial real estate company that specializes in shared workspaces for tech start-ups.
- Represented a Thai real estate company in the procurement of THB 390 million (approx. USD 12.23 million) in financing from a multinational investment bank in order to refinance a major real estate project.
- Advised a major American manufacturer on its THB 220.3 million (approx. USD 7.34 million) land acquisition, transaction documents, and THB 4 billion (approx. USD 133.3 million) construction contract for a mega-factory in Thailand.
- Assisted a global vehicle manufacturing conglomerate with land acquisition and the construction of a factory in an export processing zone, including extensive advice on construction contracts, obtaining licenses from the Thai Board of Investment and other government agencies, and related tax matters.
- Assisted a subsidiary of a Korean manufacturing conglomerate in establishing a branch office in Thailand to operate a service business for a project of an international energy company.
- Assisted a successful Malaysian trading company in establishing a representative office in Thailand to source consumable and non-consumable products, verify the quality of the products, and report to its head office.
- Assisted a leader in branded lifestyle apparel on all aspects of establishing a Regional Operating Headquarters (ROH) in Thailand, including legal assistance on leasing approximately 1,000 square meters of office space.
- Registered and documented the replacement of the board of directors of a foundation.
- Assisted a medical center with company formation in a short period of time to facilitate the timely commencement of business operations.
- Helped a global pharmaceutical client close a large commercial deal in Thailand and obtain an Alien Business License in a short period of time in order for the client to commence business operations per the client’s schedule.
- Advised on a mixed development of an entire island, including land acquisition, development and construction permits, joint venture agreements, financing, customer and supplier contracts, and the legal and tax structure.
- Represented a group of investors in their acquisition of beachfront properties for resort development.
- Helped a U.S. enterprise that successfully bid for a large IT project to commence and continue operations in Thailand, including securing long-term visas and work permits for a number of IT specialists of various nationalities and providing general legal counsel.
- Represented a group investing in various high-end villa projects targeting the European market in Hua Hin and Phuket.
- Assisted a leading Korean cosmetics manufacturer to acquire shares from the Thai majority shareholder in its joint venture company, and eventually restructure and convert it into a wholly owned subsidiary. From reviewing relevant agreements, conducting a full due diligence, and correcting discrepancies found, to post-completion registration, the Tilleke & Gibbins team provided a complete range of services.