LLM, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
LLB, Thammasat University
+66 2056 5507 
Chaiwat Keratisuthisathorn is a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins' corporate and commercial group and head of the firm's real estate practice in Thailand. He specializes in real estate matters (acquisitions, sales, leases, etc.) in Thailand and advises clients on property laws, legal and land due diligence, title searches and transfers, requisite agreements, preparing required documents, and representing clients at the land office to register property rights. Chaiwat is ranked as a leading real estate lawyer in Thailand by Chambers Asia Pacific, Asialaw Profiles, and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific.
Chaiwat is also heavily involved with M&A matters, for which he regularly leads legal due diligence exercises ahead of major commercial transactions. In addition, he advises clients on establishing and operating a business in Thailand (e.g., limited company, representative office, branch office, foreign business license and foreign business certificate, corporate secretary services, etc.) and on immigration and work permit matters.
Chaiwat graduated with a law degree from Thammasat University and obtained a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University. He is a member of the Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Thai Bar Association. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Australian-Thai Chambers of Commerce.
- Successfully assisted BTicino (Thailand) Limited, the Thai subsidiary of an Italian metalworking company, in obtaining a factory expansion license from Thailand’s Ministry of Industry.
- Assisted the Thai subsidiary of one of the world’s leading container transportation and shipping companies in the negotiation and review of a 20-year sublease agreement and related securities agreements/documents for a 36,700 sq.m. plot of land that the client will use as a container yard/depot. Notably, the agreed upon rental fee for the land was THB 600 million (approx. USD 18.7 million).
- Advised a global diversified media and entertainment company on property lease agreements (valued at approx. USD 1 million total) for three separate filming sites in Bangkok, including careful drafting of lease agreements to include demolition and construction rights.
- Worked with a major international law firm to advise a leading Japanese multinational conglomerate on tenancy termination issues stemming from lease agreements between the client and an American commercial real estate company that specializes in shared workspaces for tech start-ups.
- Represented a Thai real estate company in the procurement of THB 390 million (approx. USD 12.23 million) in financing from a multinational investment bank in order to refinance a major real estate project.
- Advised a major American manufacturer on its THB 220.3 million (approx. USD 7.34 million) land acquisition, transaction documents, and THB 4 billion (approx. USD 133.3 million) construction contract for a mega-factory in Thailand.
- Assisted a global vehicle manufacturing conglomerate with land acquisition and the construction of a factory in an export processing zone, including extensive advice on construction contracts, obtaining licenses from the Thai Board of Investment and other government agencies, and related tax matters.
- Assisted a subsidiary of a Korean manufacturing conglomerate in establishing a branch office in Thailand to operate a service business for a project of an international energy company.
- Assisted a successful Malaysian trading company in establishing a representative office in Thailand to source consumable and non-consumable products, verify the quality of the products, and report to its head office.
- Assisted a leader in branded lifestyle apparel on all aspects of establishing a Regional Operating Headquarters (ROH) in Thailand, including legal assistance on leasing approximately 1,000 square meters of office space.
- Registered and documented the replacement of the board of directors of a foundation.
- Assisted a medical center with company formation in a short period of time to facilitate the timely commencement of business operations.
- Helped a global pharmaceutical client close a large commercial deal in Thailand and obtain an Alien Business License in a short period of time in order for the client to commence business operations per the client’s schedule.
- Advised on a mixed development of an entire island, including land acquisition, development and construction permits, joint venture agreements, financing, customer and supplier contracts, and the legal and tax structure.
- Represented a group of investors in their acquisition of beachfront properties for resort development.
- Helped a U.S. enterprise that successfully bid for a large IT project to commence and continue operations in Thailand, including securing long-term visas and work permits for a number of IT specialists of various nationalities and providing general legal counsel.
- Represented a group investing in various high-end villa projects targeting the European market in Hua Hin and Phuket.
- Assisted a leading Korean cosmetics manufacturer to acquire shares from the Thai majority shareholder in its joint venture company, and eventually restructure and convert it into a wholly owned subsidiary. From reviewing relevant agreements, conducting a full due diligence, and correcting discrepancies found, to post-completion registration, the Tilleke & Gibbins team provided a complete range of services.