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Chitchai Punsan

Counsel

Biography

Chitchai Punsan is a counsel in Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution group in Bangkok, where he has built a distinguished practice representing multinational corporations, organizations, and individual clients in complex disputes throughout Thailand and the region. Drawing on years of experience both in private practice and as in-house counsel, Chitchai brings a strategic, business-focused perspective to dispute resolution that has earned him the trust of clients facing their most challenging legal matters.

Chitchai’s practice encompasses a broad range of contentious matters, with particular depth in customs violations, economic crime and regulatory investigations, product liability disputes, and complex civil and criminal litigation. His approach combines rigorous legal analysis with practical commercial insight, enabling him to develop strategies that align closely with clients’ broader business objectives. Prior to joining Tilleke & Gibbins, Chitchai served as in-house counsel to multinational corporations and gained firsthand understanding of the pressures and priorities that drive corporate decision-making.

Beyond his client work, Chitchai is recognized as a thought leader on product liability, compliance, and customs and trade disputes, regularly sharing his insights in articles and professional events. He has also provided his expertise to a wide range of research projects for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank, playing an active role in shaping policy discussions on legal and regulatory issues impacting the region.

Chitchai is a member of the Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Thai Bar Association, maintaining active involvement in the legal profession both locally and internationally.

Experience

  • Advised a global renewable energy company on the construction of temporary hardstands to facilitate access to wind turbines for maintenance purposes.
  • Assisted a global renewable energy company in a dispute with a Thai project owner involving the supply of turbines, where the owner attempted to call a performance bond valued at USD 12 million.
  • Representing a global healthcare product manufacturer in multiple disputes concerning alleged breaches of water and wastewater management agreements and a gas supply agreement, arising from the termination of a construction project.
  • Assisted a global engineering company in several disputes related to breaches of an EPC contract for an energy project.
  • Supported a global engineering company in presenting factual clarifications to a regulatory body regarding the investigation on the construction of multiple gas separation plants.
  • Successfully concluded an extended litigation battle between a construction firm and a project owner.
  • Represented several clients in complex arbitration claims for breach of construction contracts.
  • Successfully concluded an arbitration dispute relating to construction quality.
  • Represented an energy corporation in multiple disputes involving purchase of subsea pipes.
  • Successfully secured favorable appeal rulings on product classification for a leading multinational defense and security company concerning the importation of specialized products into Thailand.
  • Represented a leading provider of supplements and medications in a customs appeal against assessment notices issued by Thai Customs regarding the importation of a food supplement.
  • Advised a global consumer goods company on the importation of Korean-manufactured products stored in a bonded warehouse in China into Thailand, aiming to obtain preferential tariff treatment under applicable FTAs.
  • Successfully assisted a leading Japanese electronics company in an appeal before the Board of Appeals concerning the shipment of electronic products into Thailand.
  • Advised a multinational healthcare and medical services company on the importation of used medical products into Thailand for cleaning and re-export to Asian markets. The advisory included comprehensive regulatory guidance, covering customs, excise, and Thai FDA approvals, and representation in discussions with relevant authorities.
  • Represented a plastics company in a customs dispute involving the importation of machinery into Thailand.
  • Represented a renowned nutrition company in customs classification inquiries and disputes regarding regulatory requirements for vitamins and ingredients.
  • Engaged by a global medical device company to conduct a detailed investigation into alleged unethical bidding practices reported by a whistleblower.
  • Represented a logistics and warehousing company in a civil lawsuit involving a major theft case. An employee responsible for accounting and banking operations was accused of embezzling approximately THB 200 million.
  • Successfully secured a favorable judgment for a cybersecurity company in a lawsuit filed by an activist alleging that his phone was hacked to suppress his activism.
  • Secured a THB 250 million judgment in favor of a multinational steel maker against a debtor in Thailand.
  • Successfully resolved a complex customs dispute with respect to the relevant rules of origin.
  • Represented various clients in customs violation matters in connection with classification disputes.
  • Provided assistance to a multinational corporation in negotiating contracts across the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Advised clients on third-party due diligence (including onboarding new counterparties), sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering compliance, market manipulation, and financial regulatory compliance.
  • Represented the Thai subsidiary of a large multinational logistics company in five court cases involving both criminal and civil matters totaling a claim amount that exceeded THB 200 million, arising out of the dismissal of an executive-level employee.
  • Represented an international animation studio in an employee fraud matter.
  • Provided assistance to a global logistics company in a breach of contract claim against a famous automobile conglomerate in Thailand.
  • Secured a favorable outcome in a labor dispute on behalf of an international car rental company in a claim arising out of the dismissal of an executive-level employee.
  • Concluded a labor dispute for an international clothing company in a claim arising out of the dismissal of an executive.
  • Advised and provided training on compliance to numerous international corporations.
  • Conducted investigations for several well-known international corporations into compliance issues.
  • Represented a multinational fashion firm in a breach of sales and purchase agreement dispute.
  • Represented a multinational logistics company in a complicated logistics services dispute.
  • Successfully concluded wrongful act claims arising from the 2011 floods in Thailand.
  • Advised multinational insurance firms on claims relating to the 2011 floods in Thailand.
  • Advised famous clients on multiple defamation claims.
  • Defended a client on a breach of contract claim arising out of a success-fee dispute.
  • Successfully convinced the Appeals Court to reverse a court order in a family dispute.
  • Represented a multinational shipping company in a liquidation dispute on issue which has never been decided by Thai courts.
 
ABOUT Chitchai

Industries

Consumer Products

Practices

Competition and Trade

Compliance and Investigations

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Location

Languages

    Thai

    English

Education

    LLB, Ramkhamhaeng University

    BBA, Kasetsart University

Insights

December 8, 2025
On November 18, 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Finance issued an announcement that revises and expands the scope of goods that may be imported duty-free for educational, research, and cultural purposes, streamlining the framework for institutions and organizations engaged in academic and scientific activities. The announcement, which took effect the following day, amends customs duty exemptions under section 12 of the Customs Tariff Decree B.E. 2530 (1987). Expanded Institutional Coverage The announcement broadens the types of entities eligible to import duty-free goods. Under the revised framework, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) now certifies imports for educational and research purposes by: Public and private educational institutions operating under the National Education Act; Government agencies with statutory mandates for education and research; and Associations and foundations whose objectives include educational research. This expansion recognizes a wider range of organizations engaged in knowledge-based activities and removes previous limitations that may have excluded certain nonprofit entities. To qualify for duty exemption, goods must be imported specifically for educational and research use, as certified by the MHESI. Additionally, equivalent goods must not already be available from domestic producers, although the certifying ministry may approve imports of domestically available items if it determines that foreign procurement is critically necessary. Categories of Duty-Free Goods The announcement specifies seven categories of goods eligible for duty exemption: Newspapers, printed materials, and documents Art objects and collectibles related to education, science, or culture Audiovisual equipment for educational, scientific, or cultural purposes Scientific materials, instruments, and equipment Goods for persons with disabilities Musical instruments, sports equipment, and skill-enhancement tools Art and architecture education equipment Qualification Procedures Before importing goods under this exemption, operators must secure certification from the MHESI. This certification process requires demonstrating that the goods will be used for educational or research purposes and,
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December 4, 2025
Thailand has expanded the circumstances under which state agencies may bypass competitive bidding procedures to address urgent security challenges. On November 28, 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Finance published the Ministerial Regulation Determining Cases of Procurement by Specific Method (No. 6) B.E. 2568 in the Royal Gazette, introducing a new pathway for procuring supplies and services needed to address cyber and military threats that may affect the stability of government agencies or the nation. For technology vendors, cybersecurity firms, and defense contractors, this regulatory change creates immediate opportunities to engage directly with government buyers facing urgent security challenges. New Fast-Track Category for Security Threats The regulation amends Thailand’s Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017) to add a new category of procurement that qualifies for the “specific method”—a noncompetitive, direct selection process. Previously, agencies could use this expedited method only in limited circumstances, such as emergencies, cases with proprietary technology requirements, or national security operations. The new provision explicitly covers procurement of supplies related to preventing or resolving cyber or military threats that could impact the stability of a state agency or the country. This addition recognizes the urgent nature of modern security challenges, where competitive bidding timelines may leave agencies vulnerable during critical threat windows. State agencies dealing with active cyberattacks, preparing defensive measures against anticipated threats, or responding to military security concerns can now move directly to negotiate with qualified vendors rather than conducting lengthy public tender processes. Vendor Considerations Vendors offering cybersecurity solutions now have a regulatory avenue to work directly with government clients when stability concerns are present. These solutions include threat detection systems, anti-ransomware tools, incident response services, firewalls, and security consulting. Similarly, defense contractors providing military equipment or specialized security supplies can pursue direct engagement channels where traditional procurement methods would create
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November 12, 2025
Thailand’s Customs Department has announced the cancellation of the longstanding de minimis exemption, which waives import duties on goods valued at THB 1,500 or less, as of January 1, 2026. This policy shift will directly impact e-commerce, logistics, and retail sectors, and will have wide-ranging implications for any company involved in cross-border trade with Thailand. Background Under current regulations, imported goods with a customs value (cost, insurance, and freight, or “CIF”) of THB 1,500 or less are exempt from import duties. This has been a cornerstone of the cross-border e-commerce model, allowing for the duty-free import of millions of small parcels. Under the new policy effective January 1, 2026, all imported goods, regardless of value, will be subject to assessment for import duties upon entry into Thailand. The stated rationale for this change is to create fair competition for Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which must pay VAT and other costs on their goods, putting them at a price disadvantage against foreign sellers who utilize the de minimis loophole. Business Implications This policy change will create new costs, compliance burdens, and operational challenges. For foreign e-commerce sellers and platforms: The most direct impact will be the addition of import duties to low-value items. Assuming the costs are passed on to the consumer, the higher prices and potentially more complex or slower customs clearance processes could lead to increased cart abandonment and reduced consumer demand. Businesses should review their pricing models and develop a clear strategy for calculating, declaring, and paying these new duties. For logistics providers and customs brokers: The administrative burden will be considerable. Carriers that previously handled millions of nondutiable parcels will now be required to process them for duty assessment and collection. This may necessitate new IT systems and streamlined processes to avoid delays at
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November 7, 2025
Thailand and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) titled “Cooperation to Diversify Global Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Promote Investments” on October 26, 2025, signaling a new strategic alignment aimed at developing Thailand’s mineral sector, particularly in rare earth elements (REEs). The MOU has implications for investments in technology, manufacturing, and other related sectors. This update outlines the key provisions of the MOU and the potential opportunities and legal navigating points for businesses. Objectives The primary driver of this agreement is the US initiative to diversify global supply chains for critical minerals and reduce reliance on current market leaders, particularly China. For Thailand, it represents a major opportunity to attract high-tech investment and develop its downstream processing industries. The cooperation is set to focus on five main areas: Technical knowledge: Exchange of technical expertise and international best practices to strengthen Thailand’s mining and processing sector. Joint cooperation: Establishing workshops, seminars, and scientific collaboration to boost innovation. Regulatory practice: Promoting good governance and streamlining regulatory and licensing procedures. Information sharing: Sharing data on potential projects and global market prices. Full-value chain: The MOU covers the entire mineral lifecycle, from exploration and extraction to processing, refining, and recycling. “First Opportunity to Invest” Clause The most debated provision within the MOU states that “participants expect to have the first opportunity to invest . . . in critical minerals assets that may be sold in Thailand.” Business implications: This clause is widely interpreted as granting US companies a first look or preferential access to investment opportunities in Thailand’s critical minerals sector. This could be a significant advantage for US-based or affiliated companies in mining, technology, and energy seeking to secure a foothold in a developing REE supply chain. Thai government position: Thai officials, including the prime minister, have publicly clarified
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Awards & Rankings

December 1, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins is pleased to announce that the firm has been honored with two awards at the 2025 Lexology Index Awards in London, this time picking up both the Thailand and Vietnam Country Awards. Formerly known as the Who’s Who Legal Awards, the Lexology Index Awards celebrate outstanding achievements by firms and individuals identified through Lexology’s extensive global research process. Tilleke & Gibbins’ continued success in this forum reflects the exceptional expertise and dedication of its team, whose commitment to delivering the highest caliber of legal services continues to set a benchmark in the industry. The firm extends its gratitude to its talented professionals and valued clients for their continued trust and support. A full list of the winners of the 2025 Lexology Index Awards is available on the Lexology website.
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September 12, 2025
The 2025/2026 edition of the IFLR1000 Asia-Pacific rankings, released by International Financial Law Review (IFLR), highlights Tilleke & Gibbins’ continued excellence in financial and corporate transactional work. The firm has maintained its strong rankings across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas while achieving notable upgrades and new recognitions, reaffirming its position as a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, Tilleke & Gibbins received firmwide rankings in key jurisdictions, including: 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—Tier 4 M&A—Tier 3 Project Development—Tier 3 Cambodia Financial & Corporate—Tier 2 Project Development—Tier 2 Laos Financial & Corporate—Tier 2 In addition to these firmwide rankings, Tilleke & Gibbins had several standout individual recognitions, with 12 lawyers honored in the 2025/2026 individual rankings—an increase from last year’s 10. This year’s results include upgraded rankings for John Frangos and new rankings for Charupat Boon-Long, Derrick Khoo, Prisna Sungwanna, and Saravut Krailadsiri. The full list is as follows: Charunun Sathitsuksomboon—Highly Regarded, M&A, Thailand; Women Leader Charupat Boon-Long—Rising Star, M&A, Thailand (new ranking) David Mol—Rising Star, Corporate and M&A, Cambodia Derrick Khoo—Rising Star (Partner), Financial and Corporate, Thailand (new ranking) Jay Cohen—Highly Regarded, Banking, Cambodia John Frangos—Highly Regarded, Restructuring & Insolvency, Thailand (upgraded ranking) Niti Muangkote—Rising Star, Financial & Corporate and Project Development, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand Prisna Sungwanna—Highly Regarded, Financial & Corporate, Laos (new ranking) Saithong Rattana—Notable Practitioner, Project Development and M&A, Laos Santhapat Periera—Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance and M&A, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand Saravut Krailadsiri—Notable Practitioner, Thailand (new ranking) Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen—Highly Regarded, M&A, Vietnam To see the full set of IFLR1000 rankings for Tilleke & Gibbins’ jurisdictions, please see the Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam pages
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