Written in a Q&A format, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the issues faced by life sciences companies in Thailand. Topics covered include the regulatory framework, manufacturing of medicinal products, clinical trials, marketing restrictions, packaging and labeling requirements, intellectual property issues, and product liability.

This chapter provides an overview of the legal system and key laws for foreign companies doing business in Thailand. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the chapter examines the rules governing foreign investment, business vehicles, employment, tax, competition, intellectual property, marketing agreements, e-commerce, data protection, and product liability.

In today’s increasingly global business environment, parties drafting contracts are routinely presented with options on how they wish to resolve business disputes under contract. This choice almost always includes arbitration of disputes, often in jurisdictions outside of Thailand. However, where asset recovery or enforcement is sought within Thailand under a foreign arbitral award, Thai laws and procedures govern parties’ rights and obligations. This article provides a general overview of the enforcement of all arbitral awards in Thailand, with a focus on those originating abroad.

The New Film and Video Act, which entered into force on June 4, 2008, has been implemented in order to update the antiquated 1930 Movie and Video Act, which was widely criticized by the filmmakers notably regarding the wide censorship powers of the Board of Film and Video Censors (Board). The Act brings changes especially on the composition and duties of the Board, on the new rating system, on the procedure for shooting foreign films in Thailand, and on the piracy of movies in the streets.

The Securities and Exchange Act 1992 has recently been amended by the Securities and Exchange Act (No. 4), which among other changes, sets forth major amendments in three important areas: (1) reorganization of the structure of the Securities Exchange Commission; (2) enhancement of mechanisms related to investor protection; and (3) supportive mechanism for effective enforcement of securities laws. This article provides an overview of the amendment.

Intellectual property rights owners are regularly and increasingly feeling the pressure and economic pain of loss of revenue due to competition from black market counterfeit goods invading the global market. Further, our global society suffers the physical and emotional pain of countless people and children who are slaves to either the criminal black marketers or the victims of their faulty products. This article examines the economic and social aspects of the problem.

It has become virtually impossible to watch television, listen to the radio, or flip through a magazine without encountering advertisements featuring celebrity endorsements. This form of marketing is pervasive because many advertisers believe that endorsements by celebrities can increase the perceived value of the products they are featuring. The celebrities in these commercials can enjoy protection of their work under copyright law as well as by contractual agreements signed between celebrities and advertisers.

The 1997 Asian financial crisis had crippled many Asian economies in its wake, but it had also left behind it a lasting legacy to the economies that it ravaged. Faced with sharp economic slowdown and a wave of corporate defaults, Thailand revamped its banking and financial institutions including various legal infrastructures. For example, it made a major amendment to its antiquated bankruptcy laws to allow for corporate restructuring similar to U.S. Chapter 11 procedures.