Baker McKenzie Seminar Champions Sustainability in Thailand

Attended by over 170 clients, the seminar featured three panel discussions led by a cross-practice, cross-office team of Firm partners and sustainability specialists, alongside honorary guest speakers from the government: 

• Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; 

• Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment; 

• Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Head of Trade and Economic Section, European Union Delegation to Thailand; and 

• Mr. Sukal Sirichandilok, Chief of Customs Procedures Unit I, Customs Standard Procedures and Valuation Division, Thai Customs Department. 

Mr. Petros Sourmelis kickstarted the first panel discussion with his invaluable insight on the implications of the European Union Green Deal for Thai businesses. This was followed by an in-depth discussion moderated by Varutt Kittichungchit on the preparations required to manage the impact of the EU Green Deal, particularly in relation to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The discussion featured Baker McKenzie partner Keerati Saneewong Na Ayudthaya and Sustainability Specialist Dhiranantha Rithmanee, with additional insights from Mr. Sukal. 

The second panel covered opportunities in the evolving Thai energy sector, led by Baker McKenzie partners from the Bangkok office's Energy & Infrastructure team: Vit Vatanayothin, Permsak Krairiksh, and Napas Na Pombejra. Corporate partner Sean Duffy from Australia and Finance & Projects Principal Kim Hock Ang from Singapore shared their experiences and discussed the challenges businesses may encounter in more mature energy markets. 

The third panel focused on the available mechanisms in Thailand (including legal, financial, and economic measures) that enable the implementation of sustainability-related policies in business operations. Panellists included Corporate/M&A partners Sumet Orsirivikorn and Bulin Sanooj, Banking & Finance partners Kowit Adireksombat and Chavapol Akkaravoranun, and Sustainability Specialist Dr. Muanjit Chamsilpa. 

Baker McKenzie's Global Chair, Milton Cheng, provided closing remarks: "Over the past 75 years, it has been part of our Firm's DNA to be a responsible business for our planet, our clients, our people, and our communities. We remain committed to partnering with our clients, engaging our people, and leveraging our strong connections with policymakers and communities to help deliver solutions for some of the world's most important and complex challenges." 

Peerapan Tungsuwan, a member of the Firm's Global Executive Committee, added: "In my role as Executive Committee member and Head of our Sustainability Practice in Thailand, I have made it my priority to not only deliver sustainable business practices within our Firm but more importantly, to assist our clients in their sustainability journey. The transition to a sustainable business model should remain a priority, even in the face of market volatility and global challenges." 

Reiterating the commitment to helping clients and progressing our own commitment to sustainability, Bangkok office Managing Partner Wynn Pakdeejit commented: "At Baker McKenzie, we understand the importance of actively engaging with our clients and assisting them with the implementation of sustainable business practices. We are proud to draw upon our global experience to support our clients in their sustainability journey." 

Baker McKenzie is committed to serving our clients and communities by advancing inclusion and diversity, sustainability, and access to justice and opportunity. As part of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of Baker McKenzie, we are celebrating this important milestone with various initiatives to honour our history, culture, and values in creating a positive social impact and giving back to the community that we serve.