How do you see the general counsel role evolving in Thailand over the next five-ten years?

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, the role of general counsel has evolved beyond traditional boundaries. With the rise of stricter regulatory developments, it is no surprise that many large corporations are turning to recruiting private practitioners as their CLOs or general counsel. CEOs and board members alike now recognise the legal leadership role as a key driver of change management, including digital transformation, privacy and cybersecurity compliance, ESG, crisis management and ethics and business conduct. As a result, general counsel are expected to optimise existing manpower and resources to increase operational efficiency and productivity while creating the highest value for the business. With recent legal tech and AI trends, general counsel have a unique opportunity to leverage technology and Generative AI to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, general counsel will remain at the forefront of driving change and innovation within their organisations.

DKSH Thailand offers market expansion services committed to provide companies with access and expertise to grow across Asia, with a complete range of specialized services along the value chain. These services encompass sourcing, market insights, marketing, sales, distribution, logistics, and after-sales support within four main business units: consumer goods, healthcare, performance materials, and technology.

To meet the unique needs of both internal stakeholders and DKSH’s clients and customers, the legal department has designated specialized legal support for each business unit. This dedicated team includes seven lawyers who work locally to support these diverse units. Given DKSH’s distinctive business structure—with many regional and global functions based in Thailand—the legal team is well-positioned to provide services at multiple levels, enhancing their management skills and ability to meet varying requirements and expectations.

The Thai legal team is currently led by Country Vice President Sahachai Wibuloutai, the team comprises Rasnachaya Bunyamis, Country Director for Technology and Performance Materials, and Pornpen Skulsuthiroj, Country Director for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods and dispute resolution. Additionally, Attachet Phoroi serves as Senior Legal Counsel for Healthcare, while Apasanan Wongsakthaworn, Nattarika Mattayatsin and Nuttawut Saengphaophoet support the overall group as Legal Counsels.

The Thai legal team drives compliance and supports business growth by equipping teams with targeted legal training, ensuring regulatory adherence, and maintaining accurate reporting. The team strengthens policy creation and revision, aligning business practices with legal standards and operational goals, while offering vital support in contract negotiation, intellectual property and compliance management, and engagement with new clients and non-clients. In corporate governance, the team maintains records for board meetings and shareholder resolutions, ensuring ethical operations that build stakeholder trust.

In the recent year, the team supported new product and brand development through precise contract and trademark management, expanded regional distribution, and forged strategic partnerships to increase market reach.

To streamline processes, the legal team has advanced contract management by integrating artificial intelligence tools like Luminant, accelerating contract reviews and enhancing operational efficiency. This proactive approach secures the company’s competitive edge and reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth.