Rachata Champathong
Rachata has extensive experience advising both domestic and international clients on a wide range of commercial disputes. His established capability covers class actions, international arbitration, cross-border disputes, and commercial litigation.
Rachata is skilled in managing class action lawsuits involving complex legal implications which allows him to effectively represent clients throughout the proceedings. He is proficient in conducting arbitrations under the rules of major institutes such as SIAC, ICC and HKIAC, and is a registered arbitrator with the Thailand Arbitration Institute (TAI). His experience in international dispute resolution enables him to advise clients on cross-border disputes and represent them in arbitration proceedings, ensuring their interests are well-advocated in international forums. Additionally, Rachata assists clients in navigating the complexities of cross-border disputes, providing comprehensive legal support, strategic advice and representation in matters spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Highly trusted and praised by clients and legal directories, Rachata frequently advocates in Thai courts for high-value and complex commercial litigation, showcasing his dedication to securing favourable outcomes for his clients. His secondment experience at our Singapore office during 2023-2024 provided him with invaluable insights into key Southeast Asian business hubs, allowing him to work on unique and high-profile matters. This experience has significantly broadened his skills and sharpened his business acumen, making him an exceptional choice for clients seeking top-tier legal representation.
Experience & capabilities
Selected matters
- Southeast Asia’s prominent cement and construction company in an international arbitration with regard to a breach of the joint venture agreement for approximately US$ 400 million under ICC Rules in Singapore
- a leading multinational energy company in an international arbitration with regard to a breach of the sale agreement for approximately THB 600 million under ICC Rules in Singapore
- an American energy and defence company in the arbitration proceedings with respect to a nuclear infrastructure project in Thailand with the combined disputed amount of approximately THB 8.5 billion.
- domestic and international clients in international arbitration under the auspices of ICC, SIAC and HKIAC, including representation of Southeast Asia’s brewery and distribution company in a potential international arbitration with regard to a breach of joint venture agreement for approximately USD 250 million under SIAC Rules in Singapore
- a leading real estate developer in relation to a consumer class action lawsuit arising from one of the residential projects worth over THB 2 billion
- a listed Japanese holding company for finance businesses and its Singapore subsidiary in relation to a security class action lawsuit brought against them in Thailand in relation to its investment in a Thai listed company and litigation arising from suspected fraudulent use of the invested monies with the disputed amount over THB 2.6 billion
- domestic clients on defences against foreign class action lawsuits, including the representation of a leading multinational energy company in Thailand in relation to class action lawsuits launched in a foreign jurisdiction
- a subsidiary of one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of pulp and paper in Southeast Asia, in a commercial dispute arising from call and put option deed for approximately THB 2.8 billion at the Thai court in parallel with an international arbitration under SIAC Rules at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre
- a global hotel chain in a commercial dispute involving torts claim, contractual dispute, business trade secrets arising from one of the luxury projects in Thailand at the Thai court in parallel with an international arbitration under SIAC Rules at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre
- a listed Japanese holding company and its Singapore subsidiary, in defending a tort claim brought against them in the Thai court by a Thai listed company for approximately THB 9.1 billion
Background
Fluent in Thai and English, Rachata graduated from Thammasat University. He received two masters' degrees from Thammasat University and University College London. Rachata is qualified as a Thai Barrister-at-law and is a current member of the Thai Bar Association. He also serves as a guest lecturer at leading law schools in Thailand.
Accolades
- Future Star, Commercial and Transactions
Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific, Thailand, 2025 - ALB Thailand Rising Stars
Asian Legal Business, Thailand, 2023 - Client Choice Awards
Lexology, Thailand, 2021 - 2022 - "Rachata is an extremely capable lawyer", "proactive in foreseeing and pre-empting emerging issues", "very practical and has excellent communication skills in delivering detailed and complicated information" and "Rachata put us at ease in relation to proceedings in a foreign jurisdiction"
Lexology - "detailed and meticulous associate", "one to watch", "competent and well organised" and for "high-quality advice and professionalism"
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Memberships
- Member, The Thai Bar Under the Royal Patronage
- Lawyers License, Lawyers Council of Thailand under the Royal Patronage
- Registered Arbitrator, Thailand Arbitration Institute (TAI)
