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Wanawut Kaojarern is a
senior associate in the Projects Practice Group at Weerawong C&P. He has
extensive experience advising both private and public sector clients on major
and some of the largest infrastructure, energy, public service, and land development
projects in Thailand. His expertise includes advising on Public-Private
Partnerships (PPP), public procurement, government contracts and concessions,
projects under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), commercial development of
state-owned (Ratchaphatsadu) land, and the privatization of state enterprises. Additionally, he has
led several legislative and regulatory drafting projects in Thailand, notably
contributing to the establishment of the current PPP framework, including the
Public-Private Partnerships Act (B.E. 2562) (2019), its sub-regulations and
guidelines, the Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act (B.E. 2560)
(2017), and various state enterprises regulations. His practice also
encompasses corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory
compliance, and providing general retainer-based legal advice. Recent Experience Laws and Regulations
Experience Engaged by the
Government of Thailand, Ministry of Finance, in drafting the Public-Private
Partnership Act B.E. 2562 (2019) (PPP Act). This work is significant as the
finalized PPP legislation serves as the foundational law for the PPP framework
in Thailand and will govern the development of infrastructure, energy, and
public service projects across the country, including railways, subways,
airports, ports, highways, roads, hospitals, power plants, convention centers,
telecommunications, and digital technology. Entrusted by the
Government of Thailand, Ministry of Finance, with drafting 23 subordinate
legislations, regulations, and guidelines under the new PPP Act, providing a
comprehensive framework from project initiation to completion. Entrusted by the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Thailand’s public
procurement law reform. Responsibilities included reviewing the current public
procurement framework, including the Public Procurement and Supplies
Administration Act B.E. 2560 (2017), subordinate legislation, guidelines, and
interpretative texts, and providing strategic analysis, recommendations, and proposed
changes to the Comptroller General's Department. Engaged by the Port
Authority of Thailand (PAT) to reorganize PAT and its departments,
including proposing departmental restructuring, operational manuals, and
amendments to the Port Authority of Thailand Act, B.E. 2494 (1951). Engaged by the
Department of Highways to draft subordinate legislation, regulations, and
conditions related to highway usage, fees, and multi-lane free-flow systems. Engaged by the
Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC) to draft laws governing PPP projects
in the EEC, including subordinate regulations and implementation guidelines. Transactions and
Projects in Infrastructure, Energy, and Public Services Represented the
Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC) and the State Railway of Thailand
(SRT) in the contract management of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Agreement for the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project—Suvarnabhumi,
Don Mueang, and U-Tapao. This landmark project, valued at approximately THB 220
billion (USD 7.2 billion), is the largest concession ever undertaken in
Thailand and marks the country's first high-speed rail initiative. Responsibilities
included drafting and negotiating the concession agreement, advising on legal
issues related to contract performance, and assisting the EEC and SRT in
monitoring and ensuring full compliance by contracting parties. Strategic legal
solutions were also provided to address complex issues during the
implementation of the agreement. Key private-sector stakeholders included
Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), Italian-Thai Development PLC (ITD), China Railway
Construction Corporation (CRCC), CH. Karnchang PLC (CK), and Bangkok Expressway
and Metro PLC (BEM). Engaged by the
Department of Highways in connection with the THB 31.4 billion (USD 860
million) Bang Khun Thian–Ban Phaeo Intercity Motorway (M82), a strategic route
under the "Master Plan for Intercity Motorways." The project aims to
enhance transportation and freight connectivity between Bangkok, its surrounding
provinces, and the southern region of Thailand. Work included drafting and
advising on bidding documents and agreements, and representing the client in
negotiations with prospective private parties. Engaged by the
Department of Highways for the Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima Intercity
Motorway (M6), a THB 33.2 billion (USD 1.06 billion) project and one of the
first two initiatives under the government's "Master Plan for Intercity
Motorways" (2017–2036), comprising 21 highway routes connecting provinces
across Thailand. Engaged by the
Department of Highways for the THB 27.8 billion (USD 892 million) Bang
Yai–Kanchanaburi Intercity Motorway (M81). Work included drafting project
agreements (e.g., PPP contract, bidding documents, and request for proposals),
analyzing market sounding results, and negotiating with private parties on
behalf of the client. Engaged by the
Department of Highways for the THB 30.6 billion (USD 979 million)
Rangsit–Bang Pa-in Intercity Motorway (M5), including drafting and advising on
bidding documents and project agreements, and negotiating on behalf of the
client. Engaged by the
Department of Highways for the development and management of Thailand’s
largest rest area projects—Sriracha and Banglamung—on Inter-City Highway No. 7
(Bangkok–Ban Chang), valued at THB 3.9 billion (USD 130 million).
Responsibilities included drafting and preparing legal documents, and advising
on related legal matters. Engaged by the
Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) for the THB 15 billion (USD 500 million)
Kathu–Patong Expressway, Thailand’s first tunnel expressway connecting Kahu
District and Patong Beach, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. Representation of Thai
Airways Public Company Limited in the development of the Aircraft
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Centre, valued at THB 10.3 billion (USD
330 million). The first of its kind, the center will be located at U-Tapao
International Airport and is set to become the largest MRO facility in the ASEAN
region. Represented Northern
Bangkok Monorail Company Limited in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
agreement for Bangkok’s Pink Line monorail project (THB 50 billion, USD 1.596
billion) with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) of Thailand—marking the
country’s first monorail project. The engagement included representing the BSR
Joint Venture consortium in executing a contract for the construction of the
Pink Line, which spans approximately 34.5 km from Khae Rai to Minburi. Represented Eastern
Bangkok Monorail Company Limited in the PPP agreement for Bangkok’s Yellow
Line monorail project (THB 53 billion, USD 1.692 billion) with the MRTA. The
joint venture comprises BTS Group Holdings, Sino-Thai Engineering &
Construction Public Company Limited, and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating
Holding Public Company Limited. The Yellow Line spans 30 km from Ladprao to
Samrong. Represented the
Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC) and the State Railway of Thailand
(SRT) in the development phase—specifically the project submission and
private party selection—of the THB 220 billion (USD 7.2 billion) high-speed
rail project linking Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports.
Responsibilities included drafting the feasibility report and concession
agreement. Engaged by the Port
Authority of Thailand in the development of Laem Chabang Deep Sea Port
Phase 3 (THB 150 billion, USD 4.8 billion), including advising and preparing
legal documents for public procurement and PPP matters. The completed port will
be Thailand’s principal seaport and among the largest in ASEAN. Engaged by the Port
Authority of Thailand (PAT) in the development, management, and contract
supervision of 18 Laem Chabang Ports (A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4,
B5, C0, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3 port). Engaged by the Port
Authority of Thailand on public procurement and regulatory matters for the
Single Rail Transfer Operator Construction Project (SRTO), aimed at
significantly enhancing cargo-handling capacity (THB 2.9 billion, USD 92
million). Engaged by Thailand
Post Company Limited for the development of the THB 1.21 billion (USD 40
million) Total Electronic Document Handling System. This milestone project
facilitates the company’s transition from declining traditional mail services
to a comprehensive suite of digital services, including digital mailboxes,
e-Timestamps, e-Signatures, e-Seals, and e-KYC. Engaged by CAT
Public Company Limited (CAT) for the development of Digital Park Thailand,
a THB 10 billion (USD 300 million) digital hub in the EEC, including reviewing
business cases, bidding documentation, and PPP submissions. Represented the
Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Ministry of Health, in the
procurement process for the Thailand Genome Sequencing and Health Center (THB
750 million, USD 24 million). The project is one of the Thai government’s
efforts to enhance the country’s public health and medical industry and
transform Thailand into a regional medical hub Engaged by the
Department of Highways in the development of Thailand’s first Multi-Lane
Free Flow (M-Flow) intelligent toll collection system, aimed at reducing
congestion at toll plazas and applicable nationwide. Entrusted by the
World Bank Group as a public procurement expert for the "Doing
Business" project – Contracting with the Government indicator (2019–2021).
Engaged by Avions
de Transport Régional G.I.E. to advise on public procurement and regulatory
frameworks related to aircraft sales to the Government of Thailand. Engaged by PTT
Public Company Limited, Thailand’s largest energy firm, to provide
retainer-based advice on public procurement and state enterprise regulatory
issues. Corporate, Commercial,
and Other Experiences Represented Dufry
ROH Joint Venture in the THB 100 billion (USD 3.5 billion) duty-free and
commercial zone development concessions at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and
regional airports in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai. Work included preparing
bidding documents, supervising the bidding process, and client negotiations. Represented PTT
Public Company Limited in an oil retail spin-off and THB 120 billion
restructuring. This included transferring assets, licenses, and contracts in
over 20 jurisdictions and managing PPP processes for state assets under the new
PPP Act. Represented Total
Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC) and its subsidiaries in
leasing 2300 MHz network equipment to TOT Public Company Limited and domestic
roaming service agreements. Engaged by Thai Oil
Public Company Limited for a THB 21.321 billion lease of state property
under a 30-year land lease agreement with the Ministry of Finance. The work
included bid submission and negotiation support. Engaged by Grand
Hyatt Erawan Bangkok for a 20-year lease agreement with the Syndicate of
Thai Hotels and Tourists Enterprises Limited, focusing on contract management
and extensions. Represented Union
Land and House Co., Ltd. in commercial land development in the Tak Special
Economic Zone (1,055 rai), including a 50-year lease agreement with the
Treasury Department and bidding document review. Speaker Engaged by the State
Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) as a speaker for a series of seminars aimed at
enhancing understanding of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) among government
agencies, local administrative organizations, and state enterprises. These
seminars were conducted in Bangkok as well as in the Eastern, Northern,
Southern, and Northeastern regions of Thailand. Invited as a speaker
for organizations including SRT, SEPO, PAT, DOH, and real estate firms on PPP,
public law, contract supervision, and legislation related to public agencies
and state-owned enterprises. Visiting lecturer at
the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, on public law and the PPP regulatory
framework. Publications “Public-Private
Partnership in Thailand,” Asia Public-Private Partnership Guide (2025) “Thailand, The
Public-Private Partnership Law Review,” Law Business Research Ltd
(2016–2017) “The Doing Business
Report – Contracting with the Government Indicator,” World Bank Group
(2019–2021) “Thailand’s Public
Procurement Law Reform Report,” United Nations Development Programme (2021)
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EducationLL.M., The London School of Economics and Political Science, UK, 2012
LL.M., University College London, UK, 2011
LL.B., Thammasat University, 2008 Bar AdmissionsLawyers License, Lawyers Council of Thailand
Notarial Services Attorney
Thai Bar Association
Corporate Law Consultant, Lawyers Council of Thailand LanguagesThai, English |
