Weerawong Chittmittrapap

Senior Partner


Contact Details

T: + 66 2 264 8000
F: +66 2 657 2222
Email:

Weerawong Chittmittrapap is widely recognized as one of Thailand's most experienced lawyers in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and insolvency, and public-private partnerships for the development of major infrastructure projects in Thailand. Weerawong is renowned for advising clients on strategic transactions, including some of the largest mergers and acquisitions in Southeast Asia to date. He is recognized as a Senior Statesman in the legal profession by Chambers and Partners and Asialaw, a Market Leader by IFLR1000 and is a member of The Legal 500 Hall of Fame.

Weerawong is the author of The Roles, Duties and Responsibilities of the Directors of Listed Companies (Stock Exchange of Thailand 1997) and The Roles and Liabilities of the Directors of Financial Institutions (Bank of Thailand in 2002). In 2004, when the Securities and Exchange Commission published its own book on Directors’ Roles and Liabilities, Weerawong was appointed a member of its reading committee. Based on the recommendation of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Weerawong was retained by the World Bank to assist in its preparation of the Corporate Governance Country Assessment of the Kingdom of Thailand (September 2005). He has been the instructor of the Directors Roles and Liabilities course for the Thai Institute of Directors since its establishment in 2001.

Past Positions

2001 - 2023      Director

Berli Jucker Public Company Limited

2011 - 2023      Director and Chairman of Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Fraser Centrepoint Limited (listed company in Singapore)

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited

2018 - 2023      Director and Corporate Governance Committee

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited

2016 - 2023      Director

Big C Supercenter Public Company Limited

2015 - 2023      Director and Member of Audit Committee

2014 - 2023      Director and Member of Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited

2009 - 2017      Director and Chairman of Audit Committee

Thai Airways Public Company Limited

2008 - 2017      Director

National Power Supply Public Company Limited

2006 - 2013      Director and Member of Audit Committee

GMM Grammy Public Company Limited

2010 - 2012      Director

Minor International Public Company Limited

2013 - 2014      Director and Chairman of Audit Committee

Golden Land Property Development Public Company Limited

2013 - 2014      Director

Fraser and Neave, Limited (listed company in Singapore)          

2011 - 2020      Director and Chairman of Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Siam Commercial Life Assurance Public Company Limited

Selected Experience

Laws, Regulations and Policies

Entrusted by the Governmentof Thailand, State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), Ministry of Finance inthe drafting of the new Public Private Partnership Act B.E. 2562 (2019),governing the development of all infrastructure in Thailand. The new lawenables investment in various new infrastructure projects, such as rail,airport, port, road and digital technology. The law came into force in March2019.

Entrusted by the Governmentof Thailand, Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand (EEC)in the drafting of the law governing PPPs in the EEC area, subordinateregulations and the subsequent guidelines regarding the PPP mechanism andprojects in the EEC area. These laws and regulations are the pilot laws for thePPP framework for Thailand, as well as the complete framework beginning withpreparation and instigation of PPP projects by each government agency, all theway to signing and the completion of a PPP project.

Entrusted by the Governmentof Thailand, State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), Ministry of Finance onthe drafting of sub-regulations and guidelines under the Private Investment inState Undertaking Act B.E.2556 (2013) for PPP in joint investments with stateagencies. This includes advice on policy and procedures for the bidding processand other PPP related issues. (2015-2016)

Entrusted by the AsianDevelopment Bank on the implementation of Integrity Pacts, agreementsbetween government agencies and bidding companies to abstain from corruptpractices in public procurement. (2015-2016)

Entrusted by the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT)as an advisor to assist in the reorganization of its legal department and legalprocedures. The firm’s work focused on proposing a reorganization of thedepartment, manual and procedures, including guidelines for amending the PortAuthority of Thailand Act, B.E. 2494 (1951) in order to achieve the vision ofthe PAT to regulate, govern and operate world class ports with excellentlogistics services for sustainable growth by 2030.

Advised Governmentof Thailand, State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), Ministry of Finance oninternational best practices in policy and procedures for public-privatecontracts. (2015)

Infrastructure Projects, Public Private Partnership Contracts and Concession Contracts

Representation of the Government ofThailand, Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in thepublic private partnership (PPP) agreement to develop the Laem Chabang PortPhase 3 Terminal F, for a period of 35 years. This port is designed to servicethe transport of goods between Thailand and ASEAN countries. GPC InternationalTerminal Company Limited (“GPC”), a joint venture company in which Gulf EnergyDevelopment Public Company Limited holds equity interest of 40% with PTT TankTerminal Company Limited and CHEC OVERSEA INFRASTRUCTURE HOLDING PTE. LTD.holding equity interests of 30% and 30%, respectively, has entered into a PPPcontract with the Port Authority of Thailand to develop and operate the LaemChabang Port Phase 3, Terminal F project, which is located in Tungsuklasubdistrict, Sriracha district, Chonburi province, with GPC’s investment costof THB 30,871 million (USD 926 million). Thisproject is the largest size PPP port project in terms of value. It serves toenhance the capacity of the world-class port for the future increasinginternational sea freight and to develop this port to be the hub of theIndochina sub-region and gateway for the greater Mekong sub-region. Theagreement was signed on 25 November 2021.

Representation of the Government of Thailand, Office of theEastern Economic Corridor, in the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern AviationDevelopment Project joint investment agreement for the development ofU-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City. The new airport is part ofthe Ministry of Transport development plan to create Thailand’s Eastern AirportCity and regional aviation hub. The private sector company that receivedthe concession is the BBS Joint Venture (consisting of Bangkok Airways, BTSGroup Holdings and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction). The agreement wassigned at Government House on 19 June 2020 and witnessed by Prime MinisterPrayut Chan-o-cha. The project has an investment value of nearly THB 300,000million (USD 10 billion). (Closed)

Representation of the Government of Thailand, Officeof the Eastern Economic Corridor in the public-private partnership (PPP)agreement to develop the THB 220,000 million (USD 7.2 billion) high-speedrail project linking Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports,including negotiating and leading the drafting of the concession agreement, aswell as presenting key concession agreement terms to the EEC Policy Committeechaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The high-speed rail link is thebiggest PPP concession project in Thailand and the first concession granted ona high-speed train project. The main private sector project operators includeCharoen Pokphand Group (CP), Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited(ITD), China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), CH. KarnchangPublic Company Limited (CK) and Bangkok Express and Metro Public CompanyLimited (BEM). The agreement was signed at Government House on 24 October 2019.

Representation of the Government of Thailand, Officeof the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in the public private partnership (PPP)agreement signed by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and Gulf MTPLNG Terminal for the Third Phase of the Map Ta Phut Port Projectvalued at THB 55.4 billion (USD 1.8 billion). The Third Phase of the Map TaPhut Port Project is an infrastructure project for the petroleum industry andis designed to facilitate the annual shipment of 19 million tonnes of naturalgas and liquid cargo. The Gulf MTP LNG Terminal is a joint venture between GulfEnergy Development and PTT Tank Terminal. Weerawong C&P played a major rolein the deal, including negotiating and leading the drafting of the concessionagreement, as well as presenting key concession agreement terms to the EECPolicy Committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The PPP agreementwas signed on 1 October 2019.

Engaged bythe Government of Thailand, Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) as an advisorfor the THB 150 billion (USD 4.8 billion) Laem Chabang Deep Sea Port. This port is located at astrategic location and is envisioned to service the transport of goods betweenThailand and other ASEAN countries. The firm works closely with the EEC inreviewing the bidding documentation (such as the business case and the requestfor proposals) and reviewing bidding submissions. The firm also advises theworking team of the Port Authority of Thailand on the PPP framework.

Representationof the Government of Thailand, Office of the Eastern EconomicCorridor (EEC) and Thai Airways Public Company Limited inthe agreement to develop the Thai-Airbus Maintenance Repair OverhaulCentre. The first of its kind, the centre will be based in the U-TapaoInternational Airport to serve the maintenance requirements of aircrafts.  The project will be the largest maintenance,repair overhaul center in the ASEAN region. THB 10.3 billion (USD 330 million)

Representation of the Government ofThailand, Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in theagreement to develop the Thailand Genome Sequencing Center under theGenomics Thailand Master Plan. The project is one of the Thai government’sefforts to enhance the country’s public health and medical industry and totransform Thailand into a regional hub for medicine. THB 750 million (USD 24million)

Representation of NorthernBangkok Monorail Company Limited in relation to the PPP agreement forBangkok’s Pink Line monorail with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority(MRTA) of Thailand. The joint venture comprises BTS Group Holdings, Sino-ThaiEngineering & Construction Public Company Limited and RatchaburiElectricity Generating Holding Public Company Limited. This infrastructureproject is the first monorail in Thailand. It is also the first PPP model forthe development of a mass transit system involving a private party responsiblefor key roles, e.g. design, build, operate and maintain. THB 50 billion (USD1,596 million) (Closed) Project Finance Deal of the Year, Asian Legal Business SEAsia Law Awards, 2018 

Representationof Eastern Bangkok Monorail Company Limited in relation to the PPPagreement for Bangkok’s Yellow Line monorail in a public-privatepartnership with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) of Thailand. The jointventure comprises BTS Group Holdings, Sino-Thai Engineering & ConstructionPublic Company Limited and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PublicCompany Limited. THB 53 billion. (USD 1,692 million) (Closed) Project Finance Deal of the Year, Asian Legal Business SE Asia LawAwards, 2018

Representationof CAT Telecom Public Company Limited in relation to undertaking apublic-private partnership (concession) project for Digital Park Thailand, anew business community and digital ecosystem with a vibrant mix of office,residential, and lifestyle uses creating a new data hub. As Thailand’s firstdigital hub, this project plays an important role in the S-curve development ofthe country’s economy. THB 10 billion (USD 300 million)

Engaged by the Port Authority of Thailand to adviseon 14 public private partnership projects in 2018-2020.

Engaged by the Port Authority of Thailand in thereview, analysis and recommendations on the rights and obligations of the stateparty under public-private partnership contracts for six port projects,including a report on issues in relation to state benefits and standardizationof PPP contracts as outlined in State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO)guidelines (2016).

Engaged bythe Department of Highways as an advisor in relation to the BangYai – Kanchanaburi Intercity Motorway (M81). This deal is one of the first two projects in thegovernment’s “Master Plan of Intercity Motorways” projected to be carried outthroughout the years 2017 – 2036, comprising 21 highway routes connectingnumerous provinces across Thailand. The firm’s work is focused on drafting,revising and advising the DOH on its various project agreements and negotiatingon behalf of the DOH with the private entities, as well as assisting the DOH inthe drafting of all of the bidding documents, e.g. request for proposals. Thefirm will also assist in conducting and analyzing the results of marketsounding. (2018)

Engaged bythe Department of Highways as an advisor in relation to the BangPa-in – Nakhon Ratchasima Intercity Motorway (M6) PPP project. This deal is one of the first twoprojects in the government’s “Master Plan of Intercity Motorways” projected tobe carried out throughout the years 2017 – 2036, comprising 21 highway routesconnecting numerous provinces across Thailand. The firm’s work is focused ondrafting, revising, and advising the DOH on its various project agreements andnegotiating on behalf of the DOH with the private entities. The firm hasassisted the DOH in drafting all bidding documents, e.g. request for proposals.The firm will also assist the DOH in conducting and analyzing the results ofmarket sounding. (2018)

Engaged bythe Department of Highways as an advisor in relation to the Rangsit– Bang Pa-in Intercity Motorway. The firm’s work is focused on drafting, revising, andadvising the DOH on its various project agreements and negotiating on behalf ofthe DOH with the private entities. The firm has assisted the DOH in draftingall bidding documents. (2018)

Representation of Icon Siam Company Limitedin connection with the Gold Line Mass Transit Systemproject (Charoen Nakhon Road station-Khlong San District Office-Prajadhipok) toprovide  legal services in relation tothe projects governed under the Act B.E. 2556 (2013), including drafting thejoint venture agreement and advertising contract amendments for the Yellow LineMass Transit Project, Phase 1.

Representation of Bangkok Mass Transit System PublicCompany Limited on the renewal of the concession contract for the GreenMass Transit Line, as well as the related PPP regulations under Clause 44of the Constitution of Thailand. The Green Line is the first and the main skytrain line passing through all central business districts of Bangkok. Thisrenewal contract includes both the main line and the extensions, with a totaldistance of 60 km. (2019-2020). THB 300 billion(USD 9.8 billion)

Engineering Procurement and Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Engineering and Manufacturing Contracts

Representationof the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC)in relation to public procurement and engineering, procurement and constructionagreements for the extension of the mass transit Green Line(North-South) from Bearing to Samutprakan and Mo Chit to Kukot. The Green Lineis the first, largest and most important mass transit in Thailand since itsroute covers the centre of Bangkok and central business district areas. THB52.97 billion (USD 1.6 billion) (Closed)

Representation of BTS Group Holding Public CompanyLimited in connection with a BSR joint venture transaction with Thailand’sMass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) for the construction of Bangkok’s PinkLine (Khae Rai - Min Buri). The line will span 34.5 km from KhaiRai to Minburi. The transaction is valued at THB 53,519.50 million.

Representation of BTS Group Holding Public CompanyLimited in connection with a BSR joint venture transaction with Thailand’sMass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) for the construction of Bangkok’s YellowLine (Ladprao - Samrong). The line will span 30.4 km. fromLadprao to Samrong. The transaction is valued at THB 51,937.15 million.

Capital Markets

Representation of Asset World Public Company Limited (AWC)in the corporate restructuring and offering of shares under Securities andExchange Commission regulations, international offering under Regulation S ofthe US Securities Act and listing of its shares on the Stock Exchange ofThailand (IPO). With a total market capitalization value at IPO price of THB 185,742million (USD 6.2 billion), this is the largest listedcompany in the history of the Stock Exchange of Thailand to date. Raised fundswill be used to expand the company’s hotel and other commercial propertyprojects. The first day of trading was 10October 2019.

Representation of Krung Thai Asset Management PublicCompany Limited (KTAM), the fund manager, in the asset sales of ThaiCommercial Investment Freehold and Leasehold Fund (TCIF), Thai Hotel InvestmentFreehold and Leasehold Property Fund (THIF) and Thai Retail Investment Fund(TRIF) to the group companies of Asset World Company Limited and assisted onthe delisting and dissolution process of these funds. The value of the assetssold was approximately THB 125.58 billion (approximately USD 3.77 billion), includingBangkok landmarks such as The Okura Prestige, Athénée and Empire Tower. Thefunds, which were delisted on 18 July 2017, consisted of a tender offer of theinvestment units, an innovative approach for unitholders.  

Representationof Prananporn Co., Ltd. in the acquisition of newly issued shares inThe One Enterprise Co., Ltd. (“The One Enterprise”), resulting inPrananporn Co., Ltd. holding 50% of the total shares in The OneEnterprise. The One Enterprise is the parent company of (i) GMM One TV Co.,Ltd. (a digital TV company), (ii) Act Studio Co., Ltd. and (ii) ExactScenario Co., Ltd. The deal closed in May 2017 and was valued at THB 1,905million (31 May 2017).

Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions

Representation of BAFS Clean EnergyCorporation Company Limited (“BC”), a subsidiary of Bangkok Aviation FuelServices Public Company Limited (BAFS) in the acquisition of ATC Enviro Co.,Ltd. (“ATCE”), PDI Mae Ramat Co., Ltd. (“PDIMR”) and P.P. Solar (Nong-No) Co.,Ltd. (“PPS”) from PDI Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of Padaeng IndustryPublic Company Limited. This transaction was the first steppingstone for BC todiversify its portfolio into renewable energy business by acquiring 7 solarfarms located in Tak, Khon Kaen and Samut Sakhon provinces with the combinedcapacity of 36.4 megawatts, operated by ATCE, PDIMR and PPS. The transactionvalued at THB 1,704 million and was closed on 1 March 2021.

Representation of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited(Thai Bev) (SGX-ST) in the USD 4.83 billion acquisition of 53.59% of SaigonBeer Alcohol and Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (SABECO) by Vietnam BeverageCompany Limited, an associated company of Thai Bev, from the Vietnam Ministryof Industry and Trade. Sabeco is a public corporation in the Socialist Republicof Vietnam. Shares are listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. This isthe highest value privatization in Vietnam and the highest value acquisition inVietnam to date. The deal will enable the Thai Bev Group to expand in theregion, increase product offerings, and provide access to an extensivedistribution network. Deal of the Year, Asian-menaCounsel, 2017

Representation of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited(Thai Bev), one of Asia's largest beverage producers, on the USD 726.6million acquisition by Internal Beverage Holdings (Singapore) Pte. Limited, itssubsidiary, of 75% of the ownership interests in Myanmar Distillery Co., Ltd.(MDC) and Myanmar Supply Chain and Marketing Services Co., Ltd. (MSC), togetherwith International Beverages Trading Company Limited (collectively, the MDC Group). MDCGroup is Myanmar’s leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of distilledbeverages, including Grand Royal, the country’s leading whisky, and otherbrands. The acquisition provides Thai Bev with access to an expanding marketand distribution network. The deal closed on 12 October 2017. Deal of the Year, Asian-mena Counsel and Myanmar Deal of the Year, FinanceAsia

Representation of Dusit Thani Public Company Limited,one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, in a jointventure with Central Pattana Public Company Limited for the development of alarge-scale, mixed-use real estate project with an estimated value of THB 36.7billion (approximately USD 1.05 billion) in the central business district ofBangkok. Weerawong C&P also assisted in the negotiation to extend the leaseagreement with the Crown Property Bureau for 30+30 years for an additional plotof 24 rai at the intersection of Silom Road and Rama 4. The deal closed on 28June 2017.

Representation of Berli JuckerPublic Company Limited (BJC) in its acquisition of a controllingstake (58.56%) of Big C Supercenter Public Company Limited (Big C) from GeantInternational BV in March 2016, a subsidiary of Groupe Casino, and anadditional stake (39.38%) in a tender offer in May 2016. The total acquisitionprice was THB 204.3 billion. Deal of the Year 2016, ASIAN-MENACOUNSEL

Banking and Finance

Representation of a syndicate of lenders, namely SiamCommercial Bank Plc., Bangkok Bank Plc., KASIKORN Plc. and KrungThai Bank Plc. regarding the establishment of a long-term financingfacility for True Company Limited (formerly TA Orange Company Limited). Dealvalue: USD 222 million.

Restructuring and Insolvency

Representation of Thai AirAsia X, the low fare longhaul carrier, through its successful rehabilitation process. In August 2023,the Central Bankruptcy Court issued an order for approval of the USD 1.7billion (approximately THB 62 billion) business rehabilitation plan to revampthe company’s administration process and restructure its debts, deliveringgreater efficiencies and a solid platform for future growth.

Representation of the major creditors of Sahaviriya SteelIndustries Public Company Limited, Southeast Asia’s largest flat-steelmanufacturing complex, comprising Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited,Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, and TISCO Bank Public Company Limitedas well as SSI TH in the THB 60 billion rehabilitation.

Representation of Triple T Broadband Public Company Limitedin connection with the rehabilitation of TT&T Public Company Limited.TT&T has over USD 2 billion debt owed to offshore and onshore creditors,plus a USD 160 million claim by TOT, the government-owned entity that grantedthe fixed-line telephone concession to TT&T. The firm handles negotiationswith TT&T creditors to maintain Jasmine International Public CompanyLimited (TT&T is a subsidiary of Jasmine International Group) on theTT&T Board, and ensure the long-term financial viability of TT&T. Wecontinue to represent TT&T at the Supreme Court level. Value: USD 2billion. 

Dispute Resolution

Advised and represented a major renewable energy company inarbitration proceedings under the ICC Arbitration Rules in relation to claimsarising out of share purchase agreements, agricultural land leases andpermissions to use agricultural land. 2018-present

Speaking Engagements

Presentedseminars for officials of the Government of Thailand, State EnterprisePolicy Office (SEPO), Ministry of Finance for officials andstate agencies on secondary and subordinate legislation in accordance with thePrivate Investment in State Undertaking Act.

Entrustedby the Government of Thailand, State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO),Ministry of Finance in provided seminars for officials of the relevantstate agencies in 2017, e.g. strategic plans to encourage private investors toparticipate in infrastructure projects in 2015-2025, the secondary andsubordinate legislation in accordance with the Private Investment in StateUndertaking Act B.E. 2556.

Guest lecturer at national law schools (Chulalongkorn University andThammasat University schools of law) re: public private partnerships and theregulations related to government agencies and state-owned enterprise.

Publications

‘Thailand, Chambers Global Practice Guide – InternationalArbitration 2023, Chambersand Partners, 2023

‘Thailand’, The Public-Private Partnership LawReview’, The Law Reviews, Law Business Research, 2016-2022

‘Procuring Infrastructure Public-PrivatePartnerships in Thailand’, World Bank Group, 2018

Education

Outstanding Alumnus, Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 2013

LL.M., University of Pennsylvania, United States, 1992

LL.B., Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 1979

Bar Admissions

New York State Bar Association, 1992
(First Thai Lawyer to be admitted)

Thai Bar Association, 1981

Citizenship

Thai

Languages

Thai, English

Recent Accolades

Hall of Fame – Corporate and M&A, The Legal 500, 2020-2025

Hall of Fame – Restructuring & Insolvency, The Legal 500, 2020-2025

Senior Statesman, Corporate/M&A, Asialaw, 2021-2024

Senior Statesman, Corporate/M&A, Chambers and Partners, 2013-2024

Senior Statesman, Capital Markets, Chambers and Partners, 2024

Market Leader, Mergers & Acquisitions, IFLR1000, 2018-2024

Market Leader, Banking and Finance, IFLR1000, 2018-2023

Thailand’s Top 100 Lawyers, Asia Business Law Journal, 2018-2023

Recommended Lawyer, Banking and Finance, The Legal 500, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021-2024

Recommended Lawyer, Projects and Energy, The Legal 500, 2014, 2017-2024

IFLR Asia Best Lawyers – Mergers & Acquisitions, 2019-2022

IFLR Asia Best Lawyers – Banking and Finance, 2019-2022

Notable Practitioner – Project and Energy, Chambers and Partners, 2020

Leading Lawyer, Capital Markets, Asialaw, 2014-2019

Leading Lawyer, Capital Markets, The Legal 500, 2014-2018

Highly Recommended, Banking & Finance, PLC Which Lawyer, 2010

Leading Banking Lawyer, Expert Guides, 2009

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