What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The sale of shares in the Oakwood Studios Bangkok Sukhumvit project with a total purchase price of THB1.1bn or approximately THB6.2m per room. The sale of investment in the Oakwood Studios Sukhumvit Bangkok hotel project was completed on November 23, 2022.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

Innovation is an ongoing process, and as a legal team we are constantly seeking ways to improve our efficiency and effectiveness. One example of this is when we implemented a cloud-based document management system that allowed our team to securely access and collaborate on documents from anywhere, without incurring significant costs for additional hardware or software.

What are some of your tips for dealing with an in-house legal crisis?

Dealing with an in-house legal crisis can be challenging, but my top tips include remaining calm and focused, conducting a thorough analysis of the situation, seeking input and guidance from trusted colleagues or advisors, and keeping open lines of communication with key stakeholders.

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

As the business landscape in Thailand continues to evolve, the role of the general counsel is likely to become even more critical. I anticipate that the general counsel will need to be a strategic business partner with a deep understanding of both legal and commercial issues. In addition, they will need to be agile and adaptable, able to navigate rapidly changing regulatory environments and emerging technologies.

What technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most? Which have you found most useful in your legal team?

Technological advancements like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain are already transforming the legal industry, and I believe that their impact will only continue to grow in the coming years. In particular, AI-powered contract review and analysis tools have been incredibly useful in helping our team to streamline our workflow and increase accuracy.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

Building strong relationships with business partners requires active listening, effective communication, and a willingness to understand the business and its goals. In-house lawyers can also add value by providing practical and business-oriented legal advice, and by being proactive in identifying and addressing potential legal risks.