Prisna Sungwanna

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Partner and Director, Laos

Biography

Prisna Sungwanna is partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ office in Laos, overseeing the full scope of the firm’s operations in the jurisdiction, with a particular focus on corporate, commercial, and dispute resolution matters. With over 30 years of legal practice in the region, Prisna is regarded as a leading figure in Southeast Asia’s legal community. She is recognized for her expertise in corporate law, energy and infrastructure projects, and complex M&A transactions, and she is the lawyer of choice for major regional and international organizations looking to expand business operations in Southeast Asia.

With a wealth of experience advising foreign investors, Prisna has a strong background in advising on compliance issues and regularly assists clients in practically managing and mitigating associated risks, advising foreign investors on corporate structuring and restructuring, and corporate management and control. She excels at guiding clients through the challenges that can arise as they pursue their business goals in Southeast Asia, and her long record in corporate structuring and transactions has made Prisna a go-to advisor for leading companies around the world.

Her client portfolio encompasses a spectrum of industries, including cosmetics, energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology, and her comprehensive guidance extends to advising foreign investors on investment incentives, work permits, visas, and real estate matters. Prisna’s multifaceted expertise positions her as a cornerstone in facilitating seamless market entry and sustainable growth strategies for clients in the region.

Prisna is also dedicated to assisting pro bono clients, such as her longtime assistance to an overseas foundation in its support of pediatric hospital facilities in southern Thailand. Beyond her legal practice, Prisna also regularly publishes insights and updates on legal developments in Laos and Thailand.

Experience

Assisted an American multinational with diversified business operations in life sciences, technology, testing and diagnostics, and other areas with the Thailand asset sale related to the global sale of its applied, food, and enterprise services businesses to a US-based private equity firm.
Represented a German developer of industrial technologies in acquiring multiple Thai operations from a US-headquartered specialized equipment company.
Represented a Singapore-listed manufacturer and digital solutions provider for the healthcare industry in the disposal of subsidiaries in Thailand and Malaysia through share transfer transactions.
Advised a NASDAQ-listed technology company on establishment of its first assembly plant outside the U.S. with a total capacity of 500,000 items of suspension assembly per year at a total project cost of over USD 100 million and USD 35 million in project financing for the Thailand operation.
Advised a Japan-based international convenience store chain on the acquisition of 265 retail convenience stores through establishment of a joint venture with a listed consumer manufacturing company in Thailand.
Advised a Thai petroleum and chemical tanker operator on MRO business and aviation service, including its shareholders’ agreement and project agreements.
Advised a Southeast Asia oil giant, the major shareholder of six operating vehicles for petroleum retail business in Thailand, and more than 180 gas stations in-country, on the disposal of all operating vehicles in Thailand.
Advised on licenses and regulations for the manufacturing of ammunition, and assisted with the acquisition of shares and due diligence on legal risk and opportunities in an ammunition business.
Acted as legal advisor for the maintenance and refurbishment of a Cessna Skymaster T-337 of the Royal Thai Navy.
Acted for one of the parties in the amalgamation of two of Thailand’s leading power companies.
Acted for a European chemical and plastics conglomerate in its buyout of a Thai company’s interest in a Thailand-based PVC manufacturer.
Advised on a Singaporean company’s acquisition of five solar power plant projects in Thailand, in the project development phase, with a total capacity of 78 MW.
Advised a Thai interactive design and marketing agency on the sale of majority shares by existing shareholders to a division of a leading British multinational advertising and public relations company.
Advised a leading Japanese-based chemical industry group with operations in 25 countries on the acquisition of 75% of a major manufacturer of carbon fiber composite parts/components for automobiles in Thailand.

ABOUT Prisna

Languages

Thai

English

Education

LLB, Ramkhamhaeng University

Insights

December 4, 2024

Thailand Legal Basics

Thailand Legal Basics, a valuable primer for foreign investors, explores all aspects of living and doing business in Thailand. Written by specialists at Tilleke & Gibbins in Bangkok, it is the only comprehensive English-language guide to the Thai legal system with a focus on the concerns of foreign business and investment.

September 9, 2024

Regional Guide to Franchising Law in Southeast Asia

The popularity of the franchise business model has been growing rapidly in Southeast Asia in recent years, with some of the world’s top brands becoming common sights in the commercial districts and shopping malls of major regional cities in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. While for most countries in this part of the world, franchising has not been explicitly mentioned in legislation, well prepared franchise business operations can comfortably adapt to each country’s regulatory framework, and the growth is poised to continue even as the global retail sector redesigns and redoubles its efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, the franchise business model, which is both global and hyper-local at once, is one of the most promising solutions that entrepreneurs are turning to in their quest to overcome the challenges of the new economic reality. The Regional Guide to Franchising Law in Southeast Asia provides key, up-to-date insights into the legal frameworks regulating franchise operations in these Southeast Asian countries, and helps brand owners understand the most relevant laws, authorities, and procedures for their business. Some of the essential topics covered for each jurisdiction include considerations in negotiating and designing franchise agreements, protecting intellectual property rights, and important information on judicial and arbitral procedures should a dispute arise between franchisor and franchisee. Practitioners from Tilleke & Gibbins’ offices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam contributed to guide—not only by providing legal expertise on the laws and mechanisms applicable in each jurisdiction, but also by examining strategies for establishing and running resilient franchise operations in Southeast Asia. The full guide can be accessed as a PDF through the button below.

December 15, 2023

Lex Mundi Guide to Doing Business in Thailand 2023

As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2023. This guide outlines the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: Investment incentives Financial facilities Exchange controls Import and export regulations Structures for doing business Requirements for the Establishment of a Business Operation of the Business Cessation or Termination of the Business Labor legislation, relations, and supply Tax Immigration requirements This publication is part of Lex Mundi’s Country Guides series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource for planning international business strategy and researching new markets. The full Guide to Doing Business in Thailand is available through the button below.

July 7, 2023

Employment Law Basics in Southeast Asia

Tilleke & Gibbins is pleased to announce the release of Employment Law Basics in Southeast Asia. This publication serves as an indispensable resource for businesses navigating the complex landscape of employment law in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Authored by Tilleke & Gibbins’ regional team of employment law specialists, the guide provides a detailed overview of key employment law topics essential for businesses operating or planning to expand their operations in Southeast Asia. From employment contracts to termination procedures, each topic is examined in depth to ensure businesses are well-equipped to comply with local regulations and protect their interests. Key topics covered in the guide include: Employment contracts Probationary period Minimum wage Social security and statutory payments Working hours Leave and holidays Work rules Termination Foreign employees Data protection Remote work AI and automation Our guide offers multinational corporations establishing a presence in the region and local enterprises alike practical insights and actionable advice tailored to the unique regulatory environments in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. To access the full guide, please download the PDF below.

Awards & Rankings

November 26, 2024

Tilleke & Gibbins Recognized Among Asia’s Fastest-Growing Firms

Tilleke & Gibbins has been named to the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Fast 30: Asia’s Fastest Growing Firms 2024. The ranking highlights law firms across Asia that have demonstrated significant growth and leadership in a competitive and evolving legal landscape. Selection for the ALB Fast 30 is based on metrics such as growth in fee-earners, new office openings, the addition of key partners and clients, revenue increases, and other measures of expansion. This is the second time Tilleke & Gibbins has been included on the list, having previously earned recognition in 2022. The Fast 30 ranking complements ALB’s annual Top 50 Largest Law Firms feature, which evaluates firms by total lawyer headcount. While not included among the region’s largest firms, Tilleke & Gibbins continues to be prominently ranked by ALB for its presence in Thailand and Vietnam. For more about the ALB Fast 30 and to see a full list of the Asia’s fastest growing law firms, please see the November 2024 issue of ALB.

September 30, 2024

Tilleke & Gibbins Recognized in 2024 ALB M&A Rankings for Thailand and Vietnam

Tilleke & Gibbins has once again been recognized in the 2024 Asian Legal Business M&A rankings, retaining its Tier 2 position for both Thailand and Vietnam. This marks the 11th consecutive year that the firm has been acknowledged in the publication, reflecting its sustained strength in the M&A market across the region. The magazine’s M&A rankings evaluate firms based on several key metrics, including the volume, complexity, and size of transactions handled, as well as the firm’s presence across Asia. The rankings also take into account key personnel hires and the overall growth of each practice group. The evaluation period for the 2024 edition spanned from August 2023 to July 2024. Tilleke & Gibbins’ representation in the Thailand and Vietnam rankings reflects the firm’s reputation for consistently strong support of corporate transactions across Southeast Asia. Asian Legal Business, owned by Thomson Reuters, is a leading source of information for legal professionals active in the region. To learn more about the M&A rankings, and to browse the full rankings, please see the Asian Legal Business website.

September 13, 2024

Tilleke & Gibbins Retains Strong Rankings in IFLR1000 Asia-Pacific 2024

The 2024 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 retained its strong rankings across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas, 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 – Other Notable 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 10 lawyers honored in the 2024 individual rankings, including new entries for John Frangos, Niti Muangkote, Santhapat Periera, and Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen. The full list is as follows: Charunun Sathitsuksomboon – Highly Regarded, M&A, Thailand Charuwan Charoonchitsathian – Rising Star, M&A, Thailand David Mol – Rising Star, Corporate and M&A, Cambodia Jay Cohen – Highly Regarded, Banking, Cambodia John Frangos – Notable Practitioner, Restructuring & Insolvency, Thailand (new ranking) Niti Muangkote – Rising Star, Financial & Corporate, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand (new ranking) Saithong Rattana – Notable Practitioner, Project Development and M&A, Laos Santhapat Periera – Highly Regarded, Banking, M&A, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand (new ranking) Supasit Boonsanong – Highly Regarded, Project Development, Thailand Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen – Highly Regarded, M&A, Vietnam (new ranking) To see the full set of IFLR1000 rankings for Tilleke & Gibbins’ jurisdictions, please see the Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and

September 12, 2024

Tilleke & Gibbins Recognized in Asialaw 2024 Rankings

Tilleke & Gibbins has once again secured impressive rankings in the recently released Asialaw 2024 rankings. The firm has maintained its position as a top legal service provider across multiple jurisdictions, earning a total of 39 rankings in practice and industry groups, 19 of which are in the highest tiers. The firm’s performance continues to reflect its exceptional client service and legal expertise across Southeast Asia. Tilleke & Gibbins is recognized in all available categories for Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, demonstrating the firm’s strong presence across the region. In the individual rankings, 22 of the firm’s practitioners have been recognized, including three notable promotions and three new entries: Charunun Sathitsuksomboon (Thailand), newly ranked as a Notable Practitioner for Corporate and M&A. Linh Thi Mai Nguyen (Vietnam), promoted to Distinguished Practitioner for Intellectual Property. Loc Xuan Le (Vietnam), promoted to Elite Practitioner for Intellectual Property. Niti Muangkote (Laos), a new entry as a Rising Star for Banking and Finance. Prisna Sungwanna (Laos), newly ranked as a Distinguished Practitioner for Corporate and M&A and Banking & Finance. Suebsiri Taweepon (Thailand), promoted to Distinguished Practitioner for Intellectual Property and Technology and Telecommunications. Client feedback remains a key component of the Asialaw rankings, with Tilleke & Gibbins earning high praise for its responsiveness and commercial awareness. The firm’s sector-specific knowledge also continues to stand out, with clients expressing their appreciation of the firm’s understanding of their businesses’ operational contexts. For more details and to browse the full rankings, please visit the Asialaw website.

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