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Specialist Guide to the
Global Leaders in Media Law Practice
Thailand’s emergency decree in October became one of the most controversial developments of the year, raising concerns over press freedom.
The “severe state of emergency” decree was announced at 4am by the military-backed government, exceeding the state of emergency with which it has ruled since March last year.
The new order bans the ‘publication of news, other media, and electronic information that contains messages that could create fear or intentionally distort information, creating misunderstanding that will affect national security or peace and order.’
Other areas of focus over the past year include the development of OTT platforms.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission has highlighted the importance of establishing a committee to support OTT businesses. This includes reviewing measures to govern streaming services.
The regulator states that it recognises the challenges and concerns for regional authorities. It also recognises the economic contribution made by platforms, not excluding the importance of social responsibility.
THAILAND
TIER 1
The Baker McKenzie team acts for clients across the copyright spectrum. Television production companies, online service providers and fashion houses form the firm’s diverse client base. Managed by co-head Say Sujintaya, the practice group advises on the licensing of intellectual property, distributorship arrangements and legal aspects of franchising.
LawPlus represents clients from the film and music industries, providing specialist advice on a range of copyright matters. The IP and IT department is managed by Prasantaya Bantadtan and Kowit Somwaiya who work with the wider team providing local and cross-border advice.
Tilleke & Gibbins works with clients from the film, television and radio segments on intellectual property-related matters. The team provides ongoing assistance to Google and has assisted Tata Communications on net neutrality and zero rating.
TIER 2
Hunton Andrews Kurth maintains leadership in the local legal market with dynamic media sector coverage that includes entertainment and sports. Bangkok-based lawyers work on transactions, negotiations and dispute resolution on behalf of clients around the world.
Present since 1990, Siam Premier International has established a leading position with separate departments for media, telecommunications and intellectual property. The firm’s practitioners advise on contentious and non-contentious intellectual property and technology law.s
TIER 3
International Legal Counsellors Thailand (ILCT) represents producers, presenters and actors. With a division dedicated to entertainment, the firm’s lawyers have extensive experience drafting motion picture contracts, including artist, modelling and presenter service contracts. The team also provides sector-related tax planning assistance.
With a digital media focus, the Rajah & Tann team has extensive experience advising on content license and distribution agreements. Rajesh Sreenivasan manages the TMT department, leading the team in its work with media regulators on behalf of its clients. The team is also recognised for its knowledge of data protection compliance.
Formerly the Bangkok office of White & Case, Weerawong C&P has become one of the largest independent law firms since its establishment in 2009. The practice specialises in intellectual property and works a range of cross-border cases handled by Sakchai Limsiripothong and the wider team.
TIER 1
Baker McKenzie
LawPlus
Tilleke & Gibbins
TIER 2
Blumenthal Richter & Sumet
Allen & Overy
Hunton Andrews Kurth
Siam Premier International
TIER 3
International Legal Counsellors Thailand (ILCT)
Linklaters
Rajah & Tann
Weerawong C&P
RANKING AND EDITORIALS
REGIONS WE COVER
Middle East and North Africa
North America
Asia-Pacific
Western Europe
Central and Eastern Europe
