We represent project owners, sponsors and lenders in a wide range of energy and natural resources transactions, both in Thailand and overseas. We have acted on EGAT IPP and SPP projects in Thailand, and recently acted as Thai counsel to lenders to the Hongsa lignite-fired power project in Lao PDR.

We have been consistently rated as a Tier 1 firm for Energy & Natural Resources by leading legal directories such as Chambers Asia, The Asia Pacific Legal 500 and Asialaw Profiles. Chambers Asia 2011quotessources who call us “’Brilliant; we are very impressed. An excellent law firm with expertise in a wide range of legal mattters’.” The Asia Pacific Legal 500 2011says“Chandler & Thong-ek Law Offices Limited is regarded as the ‘leading energy specialist in town’... the whole team attracts praise for its ‘peerless technical ability’ and ‘ability to blend domestic experience and international service’.” Asialaw Profiles 2011notesthat “Chandler & Thong-ek enjoys an unrivalled reputation in the projects and energy area in Thailand. ‘The firm is number one in the market’, admits one competitor.”

The directories recognise Al Chandler, Jessada Sawatdipong, Ratana Poonsombudlert and Maria Makanas as Leading Individuals for Energy & Natural Resources work in Thailand.

Oil & Gas

We acted for PTT in connection with its JDA gas purchase, pipeline and separation plant project in a joint venture with Petronas, and currently for the project company, TTM (Thailand) on the Trans Thai Malaysian Pipeline Project, and A18 and B-17 Pipeline expansion project.

We acted as special counsel to PTT Exploration & Production in its joint development project with Petronas Carigali in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (Blocks B-17 and C-19), in negotiation of JOA’s with TOTAL and ESSO, and in financing its participation in development of the Bongkot Field and in other projects.

We have acted for oil companies in the submission and processing of applications for petroleum concessions, implementation of exploration programs, and drafting and negotiation of joint venture and financing agreements for petroleum development and production projects. Clients have included Alberta Energy, Anschutz, Chevron, Fina, Harrods, Hess, Pearl, Phillips Petroleum, Tatex, and others. C&T publishes papers on Thai petroleum legislation and is a member of the Petroleum Institute of Thailand.

Mining & Mineral Exploration

We have acted for a number of companies involved in mineral exploration, mining and processing projects, and are familiar with all stages of licensing and government approvals involved in such projects. We represent the sponsors of Chatree Gold Mine which started production in 2001. Other current clients include LHOIST (dolomite mining), Oxiana (copper) Pan Australian (copper mining project), and MICCL (copper mine). C&T is a member of the Mining Industry Council. We prepared a study of the Thai mineral industry for the University of Dundee, Scotland, in 1992.

Renewable Energy

We have particular niche expertise in the growing area of renewable energy in Thailand. In this regard we are currently acting for four sponsors of wind power projects, and for suppliers for three solar projects. The government approved in January 2009 a 15-year renewable energy plan, and we are assisting clients with overcoming regulatory restraints on wind and solar projects.

Regulatory Experience

C&T was a member of Chulalongkorn Law Faculty’s team advising the Ministry of Energy re 2003/4 energy law reform program, together with Boston Consulting Group. C&T is a member of Chulalongkorn Law Faculty’s team advising the Department of Mineral Fuels re petroleum legislation reform, and team advising Ministry of Energy re proposed legislation on energy conservation and alternative fuel.

C&T has participated in special energy sector studies in Thailand, and has performed mineral law and policy services for international agencies in Nepal, Philippines and Vietnam. Since 1985 we have acted for the government of Nepal’s Petroleum Exploration Promotion Project.

Contact person:  Albert T. Chandler