© Copyright Acquisition International 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

Article Image - International Trade, Maximising Thailand’s Potential
Posted 1st December 2015

International Trade, Maximising Thailand’s Potential

Rajah & Tann is the largest firm in Singapore but, with 9 offices and over 500 lawyers in South East Asia, making it the largest Asian headquartered firm in South East Asia.

Mouse Scroll AnimationScroll to keep reading

Let us help promote your business to a wider following.

International Trade, Maximising Thailand’s Potential
Image

Rajah & Tann is the largest firm in Singapore, with 9 offices and over 500 lawyers in South East Asia, making it the largest Asian headquartered firm in South East Asia.

We had the chance to speak with Melisa Uremovic from the firm and learn more about what it takes to achieve such an enviable position in such an instrumental region.

Our focus is on being the first choice for companies seeking representation in South East Asia. In Bangkok we have almost 50 lawyers, operating in a full service capacity. In Thailand we have a very active Thai Customs Department that routinely conducts post-audits and raids of importers, looking at valuation, tariff classification and licensing issues.  In fact, I would say that there has been a greater emphasis on licensing issues in recent years as many imports largely move or have already moved to a 0% tariff regime.  Allegations of duty evasion or importation without a license carry heavy penalties, with the Customs Act specifying a penalty of four times the duty paid value of goods, up to 10 years’ imprisonment, and also applying a 15-year limitation period.  

Moving goods internationally requires an understanding of both customs and trade laws, as well as general regulatory requirements.  It is extremely important to obtain advice on laws relevant to the importation of your specific products before your commence importation or if you acquire a business which imports products.  For example, packaging and labelling provisions, special import permits and other licensing requirements.  Each of our South East Asian offices has expertise in this area and we frequently work together on South East Asia wide projects.  We can offer clients a highly integrated service provided by practitioners with many years’ experience in this area.

We often hear that the business has been following this practice for a number of years and thought it was OK,  but that defence does not get you very far in this market.  Brokers can be very helpful but they may also face difficulty navigating the complex regime of licensing which certain products require – to name just a few – medical devices, hazardous substances, excisable products etc. 

We have, amongst our team in Thailand, a former judge, a Japanese speaking Thai lawyer, and a UK- qualified- lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience in Thailand.  We work as one team across the offices, to ensure that our clients receive a seamless service and in-depth expertise.  In particular, we are able to provide advice from the 9 different jurisdictions in which we work which has been particularly popular and effective, as it reduces the need for the client to contact a different lawyer as jurisdictions change.

One of the most important factors for lawyers is to feel that they are part of a firm which offers career progression and values their work.   In many international firms, lawyers experience difficulty in being promoted which leads to a high turnover rate.  Rajah & Tann is conscious of this and encourages a sense of ownership by senior lawyers which provides opportunities for senior lawyers to develop their practice and be rewarded for their efforts in terms of remuneration and promotion. 

We will continue to grow and truly have a long-term view to maintain our position as “Lawyers who know Asia”. 

Melisa Uremovic

973 President Tower,

 12th Floor   Units 12A – 12F   Ploenchit Road,

 Lumpini   Pathumwan   Bangkok 10330   Thailand

Telephone: D +66 2656 1991

Email: melisa.u@rajahtann.com

Website: www.rajahtannasia.com

 

Categories: Finance


You Might Also Like
Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Preparing your brand for the incoming wave of M&As
M&A
15/03/2021Preparing your brand for the incoming wave of M&As

Our world is in flux. And although collectively, we are facing many challenges right now, there are myriad opportunities growing in tandem. As many organisations restructure in an effort to weather the current climate, we will inevitably see Europe follow in t

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Is Gold A Promising Retirement Investment?
Finance
13/02/2023Is Gold A Promising Retirement Investment?

Retirement investments are essential for your later days, especially when you can no longer generate regular income like you used to.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Fraud Fears as FCA Investigates Over 150 Covid-19 Related Scams
Legal
09/09/2020Fraud Fears as FCA Investigates Over 150 Covid-19 Related Scams

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating more than 150 Coronavirus-related scams since the outbreak began, according to official figures.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
AI-Based Resource Management
Innovation
21/06/2019AI-Based Resource Management

Can Do has been one of the leading providers of solutions for resource and project management for almost an impressive 20 years.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Meeting the Highest Standards of Competence and Professionalism
Leadership
30/08/2019Meeting the Highest Standards of Competence and Professionalism

Boccadutri is an Italian law firm that specialises in assisting international clients with legal matters in Italy and Italian clients abroad.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Innovative Leaders:    My Controller
Finance
18/03/2015Innovative Leaders: My Controller

We spoke to Greg Parrish, Director of accountancy and tax practice, My Controller, to find out more about his company, the UK business environment and his secrets for success.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Founders Need To Think Differently About M&A Exits, Says Investment Bank CEO
M&A
09/07/2024Founders Need To Think Differently About M&A Exits, Says Investment Bank CEO

50% of M&A deals fail because most approaches to exit involve hiring an M&A banker and marketing the business for sale.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
How AI Impacts Mergers And Acquisitions
M&A
12/05/2023How AI Impacts Mergers And Acquisitions

In the fast-changing world of business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become a crucial tool for growth and competitive advantage. As technology advances, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the M&A landscap

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
All Wheels All Ages All Abilities
Innovation
20/11/2017All Wheels All Ages All Abilities

All Wheels All Ages All Abilities



Our Trusted Brands

Acquisition International is a flagship brand of AI Global Media. AI Global Media is a B2B enterprise and are committed to creating engaging content allowing businesses to market their services to a larger global audience. We have a number of unique brands, each of which serves a specific industry or region. Each brand covers the latest news in its sector and publishes a digital magazine and newsletter which is read by a global audience.

Arrow