Pimvimol (June) Vipamaneerut

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Biography

Pimvimol (June) Vipamaneerut leads the teams handling non-contentious employment and transportation and logistics matters within Tilleke & Gibbins’ commercial group. Her major areas of practice are employment law and transportation and logistics. June has been recognized for her legal excellence by various publications and is ranked as a leading labor and employment lawyer in Thailand by Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, and Asialaw Leading Lawyers.

June advises clients on various aspects of labor and employment laws, with a focus on labor protection, employment agreements, termination of employment, labor unions, transfers of employment, due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, work rules and regulations, social security, and workmen’s compensation. She represents several major multinational clients ranging from automobile manufacturers, electronics manufacturers, insurance companies, international airlines, petroleum companies, pharmaceutical companies, shipping companies, and telecommunications companies.

In addition to her employment practice, June also advise clients on transportation and logistics matters. Her work in this space includes advising on maritime disputes, carriage of goods by sea, charterparties, cargo recovery, ship arrests, and release of ships. She also advises on ship financing, sale and purchase of ships, ship registration, and ship mortgage. June and her team of attorneys provide pragmatic, detail-oriented, and focused, advice.

For several years, June has been involved in drafting and revising numerous publications on Thai labor and employment law, including those for the World Bank, Lex Mundi, Multilaw, the American Bar Association, and the Centre for International Legal Studies, as well as business-focused articles that have run in such publications as Director Magazine and the Bangkok Post. She also writes legal content for Oxford Business Group and Oxford University Press publications.

A leader in business and law, June is a frequent contributor to various seminars and committees in Thailand and around the region. She is a regular speaker at hrmasia’s annual Asia Employment Law Congress and Tilleke & Gibbins’ Annual Employment Law Forum, and she has also contributed to events organized by the United Nations, the World Bank, the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, the Danish-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Bangkok Shipowners and Agents Association. June is currently serving a three-year term as Jurisdictional Council Member for Thailand, and Vice-Chair of the Employment & Immigration Law Committee of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association, having formerly sat as Vice-Chair of the Insurance Committee and Chair of the Membership Committee.

Experience

Developed a restructuring strategy to effect proportionate employee terminations at the intermediate management level for a multinational financial services company. The restructuring would also give greater responsibility to senior managers. This created the dual objectives of (1) negotiating fair severance packages for intermediate-level management personnel in the face of strict labor laws and (2) imposing greater work requirements on senior-level managers without incurring claims of effective termination. We were successful in implementing the changes without any employee objection, and today our client’s employee culture is much improved.
Assisted a client in its global restructuring, which required a reduction in the headcount of its Thai operations. The client sought our expertise in reducing the number of employees, while avoiding the potential for litigation relating to unfair termination. We crafted a multi-tiered solution involving voluntary resignation packages that employees would happily accept. As part of this solution, we advised the client on strategies for communicating with its employees regarding the restructuring. Ultimately, the client met its goal in headcount reduction and continues to operate in Thailand.
Represented a multinational supplier and services provider to the petroleum industry in the establishment of their Thailand operations. Our client’s goal was to take a regionally flexible approach that would ensure continued growth of the business in the region. We worked closely with our client to develop a strategy allowing for the minimization of tax exposure for the company, while ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws.
Assisted a well-known provider of tools and hardware in resolving executive employment issues. This situation was very sensitive, but we managed to provide for an amicable departure without litigation.
Advised a global telecommunications company on various labor and employment matters. Among them, we helped this client to rationalize a broad range of global employment policies. In addition, we consulted on the many issues inherent to multi-jurisdictional expatriate employment matters.
Acted on behalf of a global supplier of high-pressure cylinders in the establishment of company operations in Thailand. Ramping up to establish a factory in Thailand, the company wished to engage a highly-qualified engineer to handle various tasks related to initial operations and establishing the factory. We developed a strategy to provide for a strong employment relationship, while providing for the flexibility and accountability necessary for the future.
Advised on a full range of employment and labor law issues following a major acquisition of a chain of retail stores. With a focus on employee benefits and rationalization of working conditions, the work also involved standardizing employment forms, policies, and contractual terms for thousands of employees.
Advised a large American supplier and manufacturer of semiconductors on employment issues for its Thai subsidiaries arising from flooding. More specifically, this dealt with restructuring employment, outsourcing arrangements, recovery planning as floodwaters receded, and laying off over 1,600 employees.
Advised a manufacturer of electronic transactions technology on termination of employment and transitional issues following an acquisition.
Represented a publicly traded conglomerate in the shipping liner and shipping energy industries with its interest in developing a strategy on retrenchment of employees in Thailand as a result of shutting down its agency.
Represented a reinsurer in negotiating a settlement with a leading Thai bank for property damages incurred during the 2010 riots.

ABOUT Pimvimol (June)

Practices

Employment

Location

Thailand

Languages

Thai

English

Education

LLM, University of Southampton

LLB, Chulalongkorn University

Insights

March 23, 2023

Thailand’s Work-from-Home Legislation to Take Effect

On March 19, 2023, Thailand’s new work-from-home (WFH) legislation amending the Labour Protection Act (No. 8) B.E. 2566 (2023) was published in the Government Gazette. It will come into effect on April 18, 2023. The amendment aims to enhance employee protections to accord with current global standards, provide alternative working arrangements for employers and employees, increase workforce efficiency, and strengthen employees’ job security and a better quality of life. As we detailed previously, the new WFH legislation allows employers and employees to reach agreements that permit employees to work remotely. Since there are no accompanying criminal punishments relating to this new provision, and the legislation incorporates the term “may agree,” it appears that this WFH provision is not mandatory but is primarily intended to facilitate and encourage remote working agreements between employers and employees. For more details on the WFH legislation, or on any aspect of employment law in Thailand, please contact Tilleke & Gibbins at [email protected].

February 24, 2023

Trends and Hurdles for Employers in Southeast Asia in 2023

Many companies have moved to Southeast Asia to benefit from the advantages of this vibrant and diverse market. The region is already a manufacturing hub for a multitude of industries—computer and automotive products in Thailand, textiles in Cambodia, and footwear and electrical goods in Vietnam, to name a few—and an increasing number of companies worldwide are reconfiguring their supply chains to include regional suppliers. A key challenge is keeping up to date with employment law trends in these jurisdictions to ensure compliance with local regulations—and avoid costly, time-consuming business interruption. Here we outline trends and recent regulatory developments in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, and consider what they mean for employers. Cambodia The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) is likely to pursue a more proactive enforcement strategy in 2023. Last May, the MLVT announced companies would be required to submit a twice yearly self-declaration on labour compliance through a new online system. The self-declaration form requires companies to confirm and upload evidence of compliance, and the MLVT online system—through which the ministry can easily determine if a company is compliant –generates a report that lists all fines. Companies should comply with the self-declaration requirement and carefully review the form to understand what fines will apply for non-compliance. On 1 October 2022, regulations relating to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) pension system came into effect, and employers and employees began making NSSF pension contributions. Over the next five years, total compulsory pension contributions will amount to 4% of an employee’s wage, half of which is paid by the employer and half deducted from the employee’s salary. The contribution wage is capped at KHR 1.2m (USD 300). Employers are currently required to pay a relatively small amount (KHR 24,000, or around USD 6). This will increase to 10.75% over

December 8, 2022

Tilleke & Gibbins 2022 Annual Employment Law Forum: English-Language Sessions

Tilleke & Gibbins’ regional employment team presented two sessions on employment law issues in Southeast Asia as part of the 2022 Annual Employment Law Forum. On November 29, the forum featured a session titled “Poor Performance Terminations in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam,” with presentations by Dino Santaniello (Laos), Nitikar Nith (Cambodia), Pimvimol Vipamaneerut (Thailand), Sarah Galeski (Vietnam), and Yuwadee Thean-ngarm (Myanmar). On November 30, Chitchai Punsan highlighted criminal proceedings relating to Thailand’s Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998). The session covered potential responsible parties, different types of criminal offenses, and criminal proceedings. On December 7, Suruswadee Jaimsuwan and Pathanin Sornchangwat concluded the final presentation of the webinar series with an English presentation titled, “Exploring Complex Procedural Laws in Labor Disputes: Class Actions and Arbitration.” Tilleke & Gibbins’ Employment Law Forum is an annual event featuring insights on relevant laws and regulations for employers in Thailand and the region. The forum this year also featured several sessions in Thai.

December 8, 2022

Tilleke & Gibbins 2022 Annual Employment Law Forum: Thai-Language Sessions

Tilleke & Gibbins held the 2022 Annual Employment Law Forum Webinar Series from November 21 to December 7. The 2022 forum offered 7 sessions, covering a range of labor law applicable to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition to the Thai-language sessions described below, the forum this year also featured several sessions in English. During the first week, dispute resolution team in Bangkok led the following sessions in Thai: On November 21, Chusert Supasitthumrong gave a presentation on an overview of unfair termination and unfair acts (video recording available here), and provided relevant recent case studies. On November 23, Chitchai Punsan highlighted criminal proceedings relating to Thailand’s Labor Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998). The session (video recording available here) covered potential responsible parties, different types of criminal offenses, and criminal proceedings. On November 24, Suruswadee Jaimsuwan and Pathanin Sornchangwat discussed complex procedural laws in labor disputes (video recording available here) with a focus on class actions and arbitration. On December 1, Pimvimol Vipamaneerutand Ketnut Pukahuta presented a Thai-language session on Termination of Employment in Thailand (video recording available here).

Awards & Rankings

September 15, 2023

Tilleke & Gibbins Continues Regional Dominance in Asialaw Profiles 2024

Tilleke & Gibbins continued to post a strong showing in the recently released 2024 edition of the annual Asialaw Profiles guide. The firm dominates the rankings with a slate of recognitions that confirms the strong reputation of the firm’s various regional practices. Asialaw Profiles 2024 rates top domestic and international firms operating in Asian jurisdictions and headquartered in Asia, looking at firms’ performance and client service in both legal practice areas and various industries. In this detailed and comprehensive guide to the services of leading Asian law firms, Tilleke & Gibbins achieved a total of 45 industry and practice group rankings—19 of which are in the top tier—across Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Thailand, Tilleke & Gibbins continues to be the only firm ranked in all 18 possible categories. The firm is also ranked in all available categories in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Tilleke & Gibbins attorneys also received 24 individual rankings, including the most individual rankings of any law firm in Thailand. The firm’s showing this year also features new recognitions for Derrick Khoo and Yuwadee Thean-ngarm for Corporate and M&A in Myanmar. For more details and to browse the full rankings, please visit the Asialaw website.

July 31, 2023

Tilleke & Gibbins Earns High Rankings in IFLR 1000 2024

International Financial Law Review (IFLR) published the 2024 edition of its annual IFLR1000 rankings of leading law firms in domestic and cross-border financial and transactional matters across the globe. IFLR ranks firms only in the core transactional practice areas of Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers and Acquisitions, Restructuring and Insolvency (occasionally combining these areas into “Financial & Corporate”), and Project Development. This year, Tilleke & Gibbins achieved its best-ever results in the IFLR1000 rankings, earning the following firmwide accolades: Cambodia Financial & Corporate – Tier 2 Project Development – Tier 2 Laos Financial & Corporate – Tier 2 Project Development – Tier 2 Myanmar Financial and Corporate – Tier 3 Project Development – Tier 3 Thailand Banking & Finance – Tier 3 Capital Markets: Debt – Tier 3 Capital Markets: Equity – Tier 3 M&A – Tier 2 Project Development – Tier 2 Restructuring & Insolvency – Tier 3 Vietnam Banking & Finance – Other Notable M&A – Tier 3 Project Development – Tier 3 In addition to the firmwide rankings, twelve of the firm’s attorneys were recognized in the IFLR1000 2024 individual rankings: Charunun Sathitsuksomboon – M&A in Thailand Charuwan Charoonchitsathian – M&A in Thailand David Mol – Corporate/M&A, Insurance, Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences in Cambodia Derrick Khoo – Financial & Corporate in Myanmar Dino Santaniello – Corporate/M&A in Laos Jay Cohen – Aviation, Banking, Energy in Cambodia Niti Muangkote – Financial & Corporate, Project Development in Laos Nwe Oo – M&A, Project Development in Myanmar Saithong Rattana – Project Development, M&A in Laos Santhapat Periera – Banking, Energy, M&A in Laos Supasit Boonsanong – Project Development in Thailand Yuwadee Thean-ngarm – Banking & Finance, M&A in Myanmar To see the full set of IFLR1000 rankings for Tilleke & Gibbins’ jurisdictions, please see the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar,

July 26, 2023

Tilleke & Gibbins Celebrates Success in Who’s Who Legal Southeast Asia Guide 2023

Who’s Who Legal (WWL) has released its annual Southeast Asia guide for the year 2023, and 12 Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers have been distinguished as market leaders in various legal practice areas. The firm’s 12 recognized lawyers, who are recognized for demonstrating their commitment to delivering exceptional legal services to Tilleke & Gibbins’ clients, are: Alan Adcock – Data, Franchising, Life Sciences, Patents, Trademarks Darani Vachanavuttivong – Patents, Trademarks Jay Cohen – Franchising John Frangos – Investigations Pimvimol (June) Vipamaneerut – Labor, Employment & Benefits Kasama Sriwatanakul – Trademarks Linh Thi Mai Nguyen – Trademarks Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh – Data Somboon Earterasarun – Trademarks Thawat Damsa-ard – Asset Recovery, Investigations Thomas Treutler – Patents, Trademarks Wongrat Ratanaprayul – Patents The WWL Southeast Asia rankings guide, published by the independent London-based group Law Business Research, aims to identify the foremost legal practitioners across a range of business law practice areas. The 2023 edition of the guide showcases over 900 lawyers, covering 34 distinct practice areas in the Southeast Asian region. The rankings are largely based on feedback and nominations received from other WWL-ranked and nominated attorneys around the world. These peer-driven recognitions highlight Tilleke & Gibbins’ dedication to maintaining the highest standards of legal service and helping clients achieve success. To read more about the WWL Southeast Asia guide, or to browse the full results of the 2023 edition, please visit the WWL website.

July 20, 2023

Tilleke & Gibbins Receives Multiple Nominations for APAC Women in Business Law Awards 2023

Tilleke & Gibbins has received a remarkable slate of nominations for the prestigious Euromoney APAC Women in Business Law Awards 2023. The recently released shortlists for this year’s awards include Tilleke & Gibbins in both firm and individual categories. In the firmwide categories, Tilleke & Gibbins is in the running for five distinguished awards: Work-Life Balance National Firm Women in Business Law National Firm Indonesia Firm of the Year Thailand Firm of the Year Vietnam Firm of the Year Attorneys from Tilleke & Gibbins also received seven individual nominations: Insurance and Reinsurance Lawyer of the Year – Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year – Sarah Galeski Patent Lawyer of the Year – Darani Vachanavuttivong Shipping and Maritime Lawyer of the Year – Noppramart Thammateeradaycho Technology Lawyer of the Year – Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh Trademark Lawyer of the Year – Linh Thi Mai Nguyen Corporate Rising Star of the Year – Nitikar Nith The APAC Women in Business Law Awards recognize law firms and professional services firms in the region for their efforts in promoting gender equality and supporting women’s advancement in the legal profession. Winners are determined through a rigorous process involving submissions, peer reviews, and judgment based on professional accomplishments and advocacy for gender diversity and work-life balance programs. This year’s awards ceremony will take place at an in-person event in Singapore on September 7, 2023. For more information on the APAC Women in Business Law Awards 2023, including a full list of nominees, please visit the awards website.

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