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John Frangos

Partner and Director, Dispute Resolution

Biography

John Frangos is a partner and regional practice head of Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution and litigation group. Based in Bangkok, he works with clients and the firm’s disputes teams on complex cases in Thailand, Vietnam, and across Southeast Asia. He is especially active in leading the firm’s compliance and investigations practice and aviation industry group.

John’s experience includes guiding foreign investors on cross-border litigation and arbitration, construction and infrastructure disputes, aircraft repossessions and aviation-related lease disputes, internal and government investigations, and bankruptcy matters. With nearly two decades of living and working in Thailand and Vietnam, John brings strong knowledge of local business practices and customs. He also has a deep understanding of the region’s political and economic landscapes that shape the legal environment that investors must navigate.

John is ranked as a leading practitioner by Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Benchmark Litigation, and Asialaw Profiles. Clients have described him as “super responsive, incredibly knowledgeable, and really focused on getting the best outcome as quickly as possible” (Chambers Asia-Pacific).

John, who is qualified in New York, serves as the Thailand chapter head for the New York State Bar Association. He is also an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and the International Bar Association. He regularly presents and writes on topics related to disputes in Southeast Asia.

Experience

  • Advised a UK investment fund in a dispute over a bond-issuance in Thailand.
  • Assisted a Korean conglomerate on a construction dispute and arbitration in Thailand involving the collapse of a logistics warehouse.
  • Advised a leasing company on the first hostile aircraft repossession in Vietnam.
  • Advised a European aerospace and defense company on a contract dispute against the Thai military.
  • Advised a European telecommunications company on investigating a major internal procurement fraud in Thailand.
  • Advised a global aircraft leasing company on the successful repossession of a Boeing 737 passenger jet from a Thai airline before the Intellectual Property & International Trade Court in Bangkok and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
  • Advised an American beverage company on an internal anticorruption investigation in Thailand.
  • Advised a global energy services firm on defending an anticorruption investigation by the Thai government.
  • Advised an international e-commerce firm on handling multiple Thai criminal investigations related to alleged regulatory violations.
  • Advised an aircraft manufacturer on a joint venture dispute in Thailand.
  • Assisted a global aircraft leasing company on resolving a lease default dispute with a Thai airline.
  • Advised an Asian regional airline on a complex breach of contract claim against its Thai business partner.
  • Counseled a global aircraft leasing company on the successful repossession of a Boeing 767 passenger jet from a Thai airline before the Intellectual Property & International Trade Court in Bangkok and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
  • Advised a global oil and gas consulting firm on an internal anticorruption investigation related to attempted bid tampering.
  • Advised a US educational organization on criminal matters related to fraudulent standardized test taking in Thailand.
  • Assisted a multinational vehicle manufacturer on designing and implementing an anticorruption compliance program in Thailand.
  • Advised an American precious metals company on all aspects of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), as well as Thai and Vietnamese anticorruption compliance in its joint venture transactions and general business dealings in Thailand and Vietnam.
  • Advised an international consulting firm on designing and implementing a corporate compliance program across its Southeast Asia operations.
  • Designed and implemented a special intensive anticorruption training program for the board of directors of a large Thai company.
  • Advised a major American software company on defending numerous employment termination cases in Thailand resulting from a global merger.
  • Represented multiple aircraft and engine leasing companies on significant damage claims against Thai airlines.
  • Advised a global automobile manufacturer on a significant customs dispute in Thailand.
  • Advised one of the world’s largest oil field service companies on a full range of labor and employment issues under Thai law.
  • Advised a major international food and beverage company on its internal investigation of an employee’s misappropriation of company assets in Thailand.
  • Advised several global auto makers and auto-parts suppliers on product liability claims in Thailand.
ABOUT John

Industries

Aviation

Locations

Languages

    English

Education

    MIA, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

    JD, New York Law School

    BA, Stony Brook University

Insights

September 28, 2026
On July 22, 2026, the government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing the implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management (Decree 292). Decree 292 came into effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/NND-CP, and introduces several important changes to Vietnam’s foreign trade regime. Of particular relevance is the addition to the list of goods prohibited from importation of “products and goods extracted, produced, or manufactured wholly or partly through forced labor by enterprises, countries, or territories in accordance with relevant international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.” This new prohibition introduces forced-labor considerations into Vietnam’s import compliance framework and may have practical implications for how businesses manage related risks across their operations and supply chains. Implementation of the New Prohibition According to Decree 292, the minister or head of the relevant ministerial-level agency is responsible for publishing the detailed list and corresponding harmonized system (HS) codes for each category of goods prohibited from export or import under its purview. Goods involving forced labor fall under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, as of the date of this article, no corresponding list has been published specifying the goods to which the forced-labor prohibition applies, leaving businesses without official guidance on how the prohibition will be applied or enforced in practice. Nevertheless, this absence does not suspend the prohibition’s application. As Decree 292 has already taken effect, goods involving forced labor remain subject to the general legal framework applicable to goods prohibited from importation. In particular, Decree 169/2026/ND-CP provides for administrative penalties for the importation or transportation of prohibited goods into Vietnam. Depending on the nature and circumstances of the violation, criminal liability may also arise under the Criminal Code. In practice, enforcement is likely to depend on the
August 20, 2026
As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has released the latest edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand, providing an overview of the legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations for companies establishing or expanding operations in Thailand. The 2026 edition offers practical insight into the country’s business environment, investment framework, and operational requirements. The guide covers a wide range of topics relevant to foreign and domestic investors, including: Investment incentives and promotion schemes Financial facilities and banking regulations Exchange controls and money transfers Import and export regulations Business structures and incorporation options Requirements for establishing a business Operational and compliance considerations Business cessation and insolvency procedures Employment and labor laws Taxation Immigration and visa requirements Prepared by Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers across multiple practice areas, the publication outlines key aspects of doing business in Thailand, including foreign investment restrictions, regulatory compliance obligations, corporate structures, employment requirements, and recent legal and economic developments affecting investors. The publication forms part of Lex Mundi’s Country Guides series, a global collection of jurisdiction-specific reference materials prepared by member firms around the world. Together, these guides help companies evaluate opportunities, compare regulatory environments, and plan international business activities across multiple markets. The full Guide to Doing Business in Thailand 2026 is available through the button below.
July 23, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins’ Bangkok-based aviation specialists have authored the Thailand chapter of Aviation Finance & Leasing 2026 from Chambers and Partners. This annual guide examines the key legal issues impacting aircraft lessors, lessees, and financiers in nearly 40 jurisdictions worldwide. In addition to the Thailand chapter, Tilleke & Gibbins also contributed the Vietnam chapter to this year’s edition. The Thailand chapter offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s legal framework governing all aspects of aircraft sale and purchase, aircraft and engine leasing, and aircraft debt finance. Some topics covered include: sale and lease agreement terms taxation lease registration and enforcement lease assignment/novation insurance and reinsurance debt structuring securities liens The guide also examines other matters with practical implications for the aviation industry’s day-to-day operations. Chambers and Partners’ Global Practice Guides provide in-house counsel with authoritative commentary on practical legal issues affecting business, enabling readers to compare legislation and procedures across multiple jurisdictions. The Thailand chapter of Aviation Finance & Leasing 2026 is available as a PDF through the button below. The full guide can be accessed for free on the Chambers and Partners website.
July 14, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has contributed the Thailand and Vietnam chapters to Investigations in Southeast Asia, a comprehensive guide published by Drew Network Asia (DNA). The resource provides a practical overview of anticorruption laws, corporate investigations, and compliance frameworks across six key Southeast Asian jurisdictions. Designed for in-house counsel, compliance officers, and risk management professionals, the guide offers actionable insights for navigating complex cross-border regulatory challenges and establishing effective, regionally coordinated compliance and investigation strategies. The guide begins with a regional perspective on enforcement trends and cross-border cooperation initiatives. Jurisdiction-specific chapters follow a standardized structure—covering primary corruption offenses, enforcement authorities, corporate liability, investigation procedures and dawn raids, whistleblower protections, and recommended compliance measures. In addition to country-by-country analysis, the publication highlights best practices for conducting internal investigations, managing digital evidence, and handling parallel proceedings involving multiple regional or international regulators. The guide serves as a practical reference for organizations operating in Southeast Asia. Because legal and regulatory risks depend on specific industry sectors and operational contexts, readers seeking tailored advice are encouraged to contact the authors listed in each chapter. The full guide is available for download through the button below or directly from the DNA website.

Awards & Rankings

September 23, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has received eight nominations for the Managing IP Asia-Pacific Awards 2026, recognizing the strength of the firm’s intellectual property practice across Southeast Asia. The firm has been shortlisted in the following categories: Asia-Pacific Firm of the Year (Domestic) Cambodia Firm of the Year Indonesia Firm of the Year Thailand Patent Firm of the Year Thailand Trademark Firm of the Year Vietnam Patent Firm of the Year Vietnam Trademark Firm of the Year In addition, Darani Vachanavuttivong, managing partner and managing director of the firm’s intellectual property practice, has been shortlisted for Asia-Pacific Practitioner of the Year (General Law Firms). The eight nominations reflect the continued recognition of Tilleke & Gibbins’ regional capabilities in intellectual property protection, commercialization, and enforcement. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on November 5, 2026. For more information, please see the full Managing IP Asia-Pacific Awards 2026 shortlist.
September 23, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has received 14 nominations for the Asialaw Awards 2026. The nominations span jurisdiction-level, practice-area, and individual categories across the region. At the jurisdiction level, Tilleke & Gibbins has been shortlisted in three categories: Cambodia Firm of the Year Laos Firm of the Year Thailand Firm of the Year The firm has also been shortlisted for four regional practice awards: Aviation and Shipping Firm of the Year Corporate and M&A Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year Technology and Telecommunications Firm of the Year Seven individual nominations recognize lawyers from the firm’s offices in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam: Prisna Sungwanna, Laos Female Lawyer of the Year Pimvimol Vipamaneerut, Thailand Female Lawyer of the Year Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen, Vietnam Female Lawyer of the Year John Frangos, Aviation and Shipping Lawyer of the Year, Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year Pongpalin Chantrapirom, Dispute Resolution Rising Star of the Year Chusert Supasitthumrong, Labour and Employment Lawyer of the Year The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on November 5, 2026. For more information on the Asialaw Awards 2025 and to browse a full list of the nominees, please visit the Asialaw website.
May 11, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has been recognized in five practice areas at the Asia Business Law Journal (ABLJ) Vietnam Law Firm Awards 2026, reflecting the firm’s continued strength across a range of legal disciplines in Vietnam. The firm received honors in the following categories: Artificial Intelligence Data Compliance and Cyber Security IP Litigation Labor & Employment Technology, Media & Telecommunications The ABLJ Vietnam Law Firm Awards highlight leading law firms across key practice areas, with multiple firms typically recognized in each category. The 2026 edition marks the fourth year of the awards program. These recognitions underscore the work of Tilleke & Gibbins’ Vietnam-based teams, particularly in technology-driven and regulatory-focused areas of practice. For more details and the full list of winners, please visit the ABLJ website.

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