Thailand tempts sixth UK law firm to open its own office

Thailand tempts sixth UK law firm to open its own office

Norton Rose has become the sixth UK law firm to open an office in Thailand.

The Bangkok office is headed by Phillip John, who left the Hong Kong office of Simmons & Simmons for the role of managing partner.

It is initially being staffed by four other lawyers, although Mr John said expansion was likely.Norton Rose had been represented in Bangkok through an association with Kanung & Partners, but Mr John said the firm had enough work in the country to justify a stand-alone office.

'We just wanted to set up ourselves,' he said.

The two firms are continuing to work together.The office will concentrate on project finance, corporate finance and banking work.

Last year Clifford Chance expanded its Bangkok office by merging with a local firm.

Linklaters & Paines, Allen & Overy, Herbert Smith and Freshfields make up the six.

Neil Rose