Corporate & Commercial Law
Corporate and Commercial Law in Thailand governs the entire business lifecycle, from Company Registration and Corporate Governance to daily Contract Drafting.
SOPLaw specializes in cross-border investment. We help structure your entity for FBA compliance, secure BOI privileges, navigate M&A due diligence until merge or acquisition. Our decade of focused experience ensures a compliant, secure, and efficient launch in the Thai market.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property (IP) law in Thailand protects core business intangible assets like Trademarks, Invention Patents, Industrial Design Patents, Utility Model (Petty Patent) Copyrights, and Trade Secrets.
Overseas Investors must know that Thailand operates on a territorial system; registration with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is mandatory for effective protection, especially under the "first-to-file" rule for trademarks and patents. Enforcement is handled by the specialized IP&IT Court.
SOPLaw secures your intangible assets by managing the entire process: registration, maintenance, and vigorous enforcement. We conduct due diligence to prevent infringement and utilize our cross-border expertise to protect your brand and innovation against counterfeiting and piracy.
Privacy Law
Thailand's primary data privacy law is the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data and is similar to GDPR.
Overseas investors must recognize the PDPA's extraterritorial reach; it applies to any entity (even if based abroad) that offers goods/services to or monitors individuals in Thailand. Key requirements include obtaining explicit consent, implementing robust security measures, appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) if required, and adhering to strict rules for cross-border data transfers. Penalties for non-compliance are severe.
Soplaw ensures PDPA compliance by conducting data audits, drafting legally sound privacy policies and consent forms, establishing DPO protocols, and structuring secure, compliant cross-border data transfer mechanisms for foreign operations.
Consumer Law
Thailand's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and Product Liability Act form a robust framework safeguarding consumer rights against unfair trade practices, misleading advertising, and unsafe products.
Overseas investors must be aware of strict liability for business operators (including importers and sellers) for damages caused by defective products, regardless of negligence. They must ensure truthful advertising, use fair contract terms, and comply with regulations set by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). Non-compliance risks significant fines and reputational damage.
SOPLaw can assist by reviewing and drafting compliant product labels and advertisements, ensuring your standard contracts adhere to Thai law and avoid unfair terms, mitigating product liability risks, and providing defense in consumer dispute resolutions or OCPB inquiries.
Mergers & Acquistions
M&A Law in Thailand refers to the legal framework governing Mergers and Acquisitions activities, primarily controlled by the Civil and Commercial Code, the Trade Competition Act (for antitrust), and most critically, the Foreign Business Act (FBA).
Our firm provides end-to-end legal support, including expert advice on M&A structuring to ensure FBA compliance, managing regulatory approvals (FBL, BOI, TCA), and conducting comprehensive due diligence to identify legal, financial, and regulatory risks, ensuring a smooth and legally sound transaction.
Labor & Employment
Labor & Employment law in Thailand is primarily governed by the Labor Protection Act, which is highly protective of employees. It sets mandatory minimum standards for wages, working hours (max 48 hours/week), leave (e.g., 6 days annual, 30 days sick), and strict rules for termination and severance pay (based on tenure).
Our firm provides expert guidance on drafting Thai-compliant employment contracts and Work Rules, advising on disciplinary actions and termination procedures to mitigate risk, and offering dispute resolution and litigation support in the Labor Court.
Visas & Work Permit
Visas and Work Permits are mandatory legal requirements for foreign nationals to enter, reside, and work in Thailand. A visa grants permission to enter and stay in the country (e.g., Non-Immigrant “B” for business or employment), while a work permit specifically authorizes the holder to engage in lawful employment.
Our law firm assists investors in navigating Thailand’s immigration and labor regulations, identifying the most suitable visa options (such as Non-Immigrant “B”, Long-Term Resident (LTR), Digital Nomad/DTV, or Thailand Privilege (Elite) visas), preparing required documents (including corporate and Ministry of Labour filings), and managing the application and renewal process with the relevant Thai authorities.
Real Estate
Real estate law in Thailand generally prohibits foreign land ownership, but allows certain methods for property rights. Condominium ownership is permitted for foreigners up to a statutory quota (typically 49% of a project's area). For land, foreigners commonly use long-term leases or establish a Thai company structure.
Our law firm provides expert assistance to foreign investors. We conduct due diligence, verify all title deeds, and structure transactions using legal methods that secure your rights while ensuring full compliance with Thai regulations. We manage the entire legal process from contract drafting to property transfer.
Litigation
Litigation in Thailand falls under the jurisdiction of various courts depending on the nature of the dispute. Specialized courts, such as the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court for intellectual property matters, and the Labor Court for employment-related disputes, handle specific types of cases. Together with the civil and commercial courts, they provide a structured and transparent framework for dispute resolution under Thai law.
Our law firm represents clients in civil, commercial, labor, and intellectual property litigation, offering strategic advocacy and efficient case management to achieve effective and timely outcomes.