Bangkok Global Law Offices Limited
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Bangkok Global Law Offices Limited (BGL) is an established law firm in Thailand. Our Legal services are provided to companies in Thailand and multinational corporations. We provide legal services in a wide range of areas including corporate, commercial, securities, banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), real estate, employment, technology, energy, dispute resolutions, and taxation.
With an international network of law firms, we envisage global vision and focuses on local action. We actively participate international legal organizations, including the International Bar Association or the IBA, the International Fiscal Association or the IFA and the Inter-Pacific Bar Association or the IPBA. Global knowledge, experience and expertise have been transferred into our in-depth analysis and advice to our clients.
PRACTICE AREAS
Corporate & Commercial
Corporate and commercial transactions represent one of the basic legal services to our clients.
Our legal services include application for incorporation of a company under laws of Thailand, application for registration of corporate income, tax value added and social security contribution.
To achieve success in overseas business operations, domestic and cross-border transactions require structuring, planning and contribution in legal aspects. Laws including company law, foreign business law, investment law, customs law, excise law, exchange control law, employment law, bankruptcy law and taxation law must be taken into consideration for doing business.
We provide company secretarial services, such as, provision of advices and preparation of necessary documents in relation to capital increase, capital reduction, amendment to the memorandum and articles of association, arrangement for meetings of the board of directors and general meetings of shareholders of the companies, change of shareholders, including filing applications and supporting documents for registration of the changes of corporate information with the Ministry of Commerce.
Investment
To attract more investors, Thailand has provided tax and non-tax privileges to companies promoted under the Investment Promotion Act of Thailand.
Tax privileges include exemption and reduction of corporation income tax on the net profit and dividends to save profits of the promoted companies for reinvestment and creation of new projects, exemption of import duties on machinery and raw materials; and double deduction from the costs of transportation, electricity and water supply.
Non-tax privileges can be provided in the form of work permits for foreign experts and technicians, land ownership, and permission to take out or remit money abroad in foreign currency. To obtain both tax and non-tax privileges, an application for investment promotion and supporting documents must be filed with the Office of the Investment Promotion and the relevant procedures must be complied with. We have extensively assisted our clients to obtain the investment promotion certificate across different industries.
Banking & Finance
We advise foreign banks, financial institutions, and corporate clients on financing transactions in Thailand. Our services include legal due diligence, the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of single-lender and syndicated loan facilities, factoring arrangements, and related security and credit support structures.
Our experience covers mortgages, pledges, guarantees, assignments, sale and repurchase and sale and re-lease transactions, as well as ISDA Master Agreements. We deliver commercially practical advice that aligns with international market standards and Thai regulatory requirements.
Moreover, we advise not only fintech companies but also technology-driven financial businesses on licensing and regulatory matters in Thailand. Our expertise includes assisting clients with license applications, regulatory assessments of proposed business models, and compliance with applicable payment systems, electronic transactions, anti-money laundering, and data protection requirements. We support clients throughout the licensing process, from initial structuring and regulatory engagement to post-licensing compliance.
Project Finance
In terms of Project Finance, our experienced lawyers provide legal services on projects with collateral, equity financing, debt financing, quasi-equity financial instruments, syndicated loan and swap of currency and interest in the complex transactions. We can provide legal due diligence on the target companies entering into a project finance, and, if any findings found, we provide legal solutions.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Our Merger and Acquisition practice provides comprehensive legal support to private equity firms, strategic investors, and corporate clients across the full investment lifecycle for all types of transactions covering transactions in connection with share sale, assets sale, or business sale. We advise on acquisitions, disposals, mergers, joint ventures, and restructurings, with particular focus on private equity and venture capital transactions.
Our team combines strong transactional expertise with a practical understanding of commercial objectives, delivering tailored solutions on deal structuring, due diligence, negotiations, and transaction execution. We regularly act on complex cross-border transactions and work closely with financial, tax, and regulatory advisors to ensure seamless and efficient deal completion.
Taxation & Customs
Customs procedures represents the key roles of importation and export of goods. Customs duties are generally imposed on the value of the imported goods and the payment of intellectual property considered to be a condition of the sale of the goods unless customs exemption or reduction is available.
Legal and tax consideration play an important role in doing business. Both domestic and cross border transactions always involve tax implications. Tax avoidance has been countered by anti-avoidance laws and regulations to combat complicated tax planning. At international legal organizations, tax sessions draw attention of tax experts and practitioners.
Corporate income tax, personal income tax, value added tax, specific business, top-up tax on global minimum tax and stamp are applied to collect tax revenues. Agreement for avoidance of double taxation are entered into and effective to reduce or exempt double taxes between the source state and the resident state. Development of international dimensions of tax laws including FATCA and BEPS should be closely followed so that tax aspects of the transaction are in line with tax laws.
Personal income taxation on a worldwide basis, together with source-based taxation principles, continues to have a significant impact on cross-border commercial activities and international transactions. Accordingly, a careful analysis of tax obligations arising from cross-border operations is essential to ensure compliance with applicable domestic tax laws, tax treaties, and international regulatory frameworks, particularly in the context of cruise operations and cross-border secondment arrangements within multinational groups.
Securities
Mergers & acquisitions, share or asset sales and purchases, initial or subsequent public offerings, listing on and delisting of securities from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (“SET”) and the Market for Alternative Investment (“MAI”) have become increasingly sophisticated in today’s capital markets.
We advise clients on securities and exchange laws together with the relevant rules and regulations applicable to capital markets transactions Our securities law practice covers a broad range of transactions, including initial public offerings, listing on the SET or the MAI, private placement of shares, bonds, warrants and other financial instruments, ongoing disclosure of information, connected transactions, acquisition and disposition of assets, acquisition and disposition of securities, tender offers, as well as the establishment and offering of infrastructure fund and real estate investment trusts.
Our legal services are provided to companies listed on the SET or the MAI, providing ongoing regulatory and transactional advice. We also assist multinational corporations with securities-related matters in connection with establishing a presence in Thailand. Financial institutions have received our advices on single and syndicated loan, bonds, warrants and derivatives. Of course, tax aspects of each of the transactions form an integrated and important part.
Real Estate
Thailand’s real estate market has consistently drawn significant interest from foreign investors. Our real estate practice advises clients on property transactions and developments in Thailand, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, and real estate investments. We provide practical advice on due diligence, transaction structuring, regulatory compliance, and documentation, with particular expertise in Thai land and foreign ownership regulations.
As real estate transactions in Thailand are subject to a complex and extensive regulatory framework, foreign investors must carefully consider multiple legal requirements before proceeding with their intended investments. These laws and regulations span a wide range of areas, including land, condominium, building control, factory, city planning, environmental protection, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), industrial estate, and infrastructure. We guide our clients through this complex regulatory landscape, enabling them to proceed efficiently and achieve their commercial objectives.
Employment
We provide legal advice to Thai and international clients on employment-related matters, including preparation, review, and finalization of employment contracts, work rules and regulations, employee handbook and employee-related policies, as well as advising on social security contributions and related statutory obligations.
The firm’s practice covers all key labour and employment legislation in Thailand, including the labour-related provisions under Civil and Commercial Code, the Labour Protection Act, the Labour Relations Act, the Establishment of and Procedures for the Labour Court Act, the Social Security Act, the Provident Fund Act, and the Workmen’s Compensation Act.
Digital
Daily challenges arise from the use of technology, digital platforms, and electronic communications in Thailand. Thailand’s legal and regulatory framework continues to evolve, including through the enactment of new digital and technology laws including the Personal Data Protection Act, the Cybersecurity Act, the Computer-Related Crime Act, the Electronic Transactions Act, the Telecommunications Business Act, and the Emergency Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technological Crimes and we advises clients on compliance, enforcement risk, and regulatory requirement.
International Trade
In light of geopolitical developments, Thailand has become a preferred jurisdiction for the establishment of regional business operations including relocation of manufacturing factories. As a consequence, we have regularly advised our multinational clients on international trade and customs law matters under Thai law, with a focus on regulatory compliance and enforcement risk. Our advices cover transshipment arrangements, rules of origin and issuance of certificates of origin, customs verification, and trade remedy measures, including subsidies , dumping , anti-dumping investigations and court proceedings, supporting clients in managing cross-border trade operations efficiently and in compliance with Thailand’s trade and customs framework.
Litigation and Arbitration
Litigation involves unsettled disputes between the parties and levels of courts and is time consuming and expensive process. Arbitration is an alternative and becomes popular for commercial transactions. Governing law is the most important starting point for both litigation and arbitration.
MEMBERSHIP
- International Bar Association
- International Fiscal Association
- Inter-Pacific Bar Association
- American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
- British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
- Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
- Bar Association of Thailand
- Lawyer Council of Thailand
CONTRIBUTIONS
- Doing Business by the World Bank and the IFC
- Business Investment Guide – Thailand by Thomson Reuters
- Business operations in Thailand by Bloomberg