Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group, is quoted extensively in a recent article on fintech in Southeast Asia. The article, which was published in the August 2023 issue of Asian Legal Business, highlights the importance of achieving a balance between innovation and regulation in fostering a healthy environment for fintech operations. In the article, Nop emphasizes that innovation and regulation should not be seen as competing ideals. “When it comes to new and complex products in the fintech sector,” she says, “a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework can give businesses the confidence to make investments.” Nop also points out the role of regulations and regulators in combating cybercrime within the fintech realm, noting that regulators are a crucial ally in the fight against cyber threats. She explains that this can even be on a regional or global level. For example, the Financial Action Task Force and its recommendations create a network that has been especially effective in combating cross-border financial crimes. Asian Legal Business, owned by Thomson Reuters, is a leading source of information for businesses and professionals in the legal industry in Asia.

Tilleke & Gibbins is pleased to announce the addition of Nuttaphol Arammuang as a partner in the firm’s industry-leading intellectual property (IP) practice in Bangkok. In his practice, Nuttaphol focuses on providing strategic counsel and representation to corporate clients seeking to protect their IP rights. He works closely with clients to develop comprehensive strategies tailored to their specific needs, helping them to capitalize on their valuable assets and navigate the complex landscape of IP law. Drawing on his extensive experience in IP litigation, Nuttaphol will play a key role in representing clients in high-stakes disputes and advocating for their rights in the courtroom. Additionally, he will collaborate with the firm’s cross-practice, multijurisdictional teams to offer innovative solutions that address evolving challenges and opportunities in the realm of IP. “Nuttaphol’s expertise in IP litigation will further empower our clients to protect and maximize the value of their intellectual assets in today’s complex IP landscape,” said Darani Vachanavuttivong, managing partner of Tilleke & Gibbins. “We are delighted to have him join us in advocating for our clients’ rights and crafting innovative solutions in the dynamic field of IP.” Prior to joining Tilleke & Gibbins, Nuttaphol led teams of IP practitioners for several years as IP practice head and managing partner of the Thailand offices of two prominent regional law firms. Throughout his career, Nuttaphol has successfully handled a wide range of IP litigation cases, including pharmaceutical patent disputes, patent infringement, design infringement, trademark and trade dress infringement, passing off, trademark invalidation, copyright litigation in the context of new media and technology, and obtaining preliminary injunctions and Anton Piller orders. His in-depth knowledge and strategic approach have earned him a strong reputation in the legal community. As an accomplished IP practitioner, Nuttaphol Arammuang is recognized as a leading lawyer for IP in

Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group, was quoted in a recent article from the Financial Times on how law firms are helping clients tackle cybersecurity risks and navigate fast-evolving regulatory landscapes for data protection and cybersecurity in Asia. In the article, Nop commented on recent Thai legislation that requires companies monitoring the behavior of residents to have a local data privacy representative in the country. She explained that this has created a client-service opportunity for Tilleke & Gibbins, which set up a digital solutions service that allows the firm to be the representative in Thailand for existing clients, including Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook. This helps clients become compliant and avoid having to set up their own local representative in Thailand. Nop also discussed enforcement of the country’s fledgling Personal Data Protection Act and related regulations. “Last year, when the law was implemented, the regulator’s approach was more educational,” she told Financial Times. “This year, I would expect the regulator to start imposing fines. They are starting to enforce more strictly.” Tilleke & Gibbins Digital Solutions is a first-of-its-kind service in Thailand, and it demonstrates the proactive approach the firm takes in addressing cybersecurity and data privacy. The firm’s data protection team—led by counsel Nopparat Lalitkomon—remains committed to helping clients navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and compliance.

Dino Santaniello, head of Tilleke & Gibbins in Laos, and Naiyane Xaechao, a paralegal in the Vientiane office, recently met with officials from the Department of Cybersecurity in Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications, as well as representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos (ECCIL), to discuss a white paper drafted by the firm regarding the Law on Electronic Data Protection. The aim of the meeting was to provide recommendations for amending the law to comply with international standards on data privacy while also taking into account the unique needs of Laos. During the discussion, Dino and Naiyane shared their deep knowledge and expertise in the field of data protection as they addressed various questions raised by the officers and ECCIL representatives. The meeting showcased Tilleke & Gibbins’ commitment to staying up-to-date on legal developments and working closely with government officials to ensure that laws are fair and effective for all stakeholders. The firm’s white paper and the valuable insights shared by Dino and Naiyane will contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen data protection in Laos and bring the country closer to international standards.