Read the full interview below:

Q: Can you tell us how your journey in arbitration began, and what drew you to specialize in arbitration?  

My journey in arbitration began in 2008 when I joined Herbert Smith Freehills (then Herbert Smith) in Hong Kong. Up to that point, I had been a commercial litigator at Robertsons, a Hong Kong law firm, where I thoroughly enjoyed representing clients in contentious intellectual property and shareholder disputes.  Upon joining HSF, I had the privilege of working with Justin D’Agostino on my very first arbitration case, which involved a high-profile individual in Hong Kong. That experience was a turning point in my career – it opened my eyes to see the similarities and differences between arbitration and litigation and sparked a deep interest in this form of dispute resolution. 

What continues to fascinate me about arbitration is its inherently cross-border nature. It offers dispute resolution lawyers the unique opportunity to work internationally, even while being qualified in a single jurisdiction. Arbitration is also a constantly evolving field, with procedures that are modern and increasingly tailored to the needs of end users. I am particularly drawn to the principle of party autonomy – how it allows parties to take meaningful control over the process and outcomes of their disputes.  

In light of my background in counselling, I wrote an article a few years ago exploring the intersection between arbitration and the psychological concept of the “circle of control”. I believe there are strong parallels between effectiveness and appeal of arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism and certain psychological factors – especially those related to autonomy, clarity and control.  

 Q: What key skills are essential when advising Japanese companies on disputes in Thailand? Are there specific cultural nuances or business practices that legal practitioners should be mindful of in this context?  

I often explain that the Japanese and Thais share similar cultural attitudes toward disputes. Both cultures tend to be non-confrontational and prefer to resolve disputes quietly and amicably in order to preserve relationships and avoid loss of face. However, this dynamic can shift depending on the nature of the dispute. For instance, in labour disputes, Thai parties can be quite litigious, and there are relatively few barriers to initiating claims in the Thai courts.

When advising Japanese companies, one of the most important considerations is managing expectations around process and timelines. Patience and flexibility are key, as Thai dispute resolution procedures can be unpredictable and subject to delays. Requests for extensions of time and adjournments are common and often granted, which can be frustrating for parties used to more rigid and predictable systems.

While both Thailand and Japan are civil law jurisdictions and thus share certain procedural similarities, there are important practical differences. Mediation and settlement are actively encouraged by both courts and tribunals in Thailand. At the same time, strict procedural formalities – particularly relating to the notarisation and legalisation of documents involving foreign parties can pose logistical challenges. These formalities can often require significant lead time, which can be compounded by the internal approval processes typically required within Japanese companies.

Japanese businesses also place high value on reputation, compliance and social responsibility, so when advising these companies, it would be important to combine legal strategies with PR, ethical and regulatory implications. Legal practitioners advising Japanese companies in Thailand will therefore need to combine strong cross-cultural knowledge with good communication skills.

Q: From your perspective, what makes Thailand an attractive or strategic market for Japanese companies looking to expand?  

Thailand has long been a preferred destination for Japanese corporates, with a strong history of bilateral economic ties dating back several decades. Japan consistently ranks among the top three countries in terms of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Thailand, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, automobile and electronics.  

There are several reasons why Thailand remains an attractive and strategic market for Japanese companies seeking regional expansion. Its central location within Southeast Asia provides a natural gateway to the broader ASEAN market. The country also offers a competitive and skilled labour force, well-developed infrastructure and an improving legal and regulatory framework that supports foreign investments. Notably, the Thai judiciary (particularly in Bangkok) has become increasingly efficient, transparent and knowledgeable with arbitration (specifically, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards), which helps to provide greater predictability and legal certainty for foreign investors. 

Thailand is already home to one of the largest Japanese expatriate and business communities in Southeast Asia. There is also a robust ecosystem of Thai suppliers and joint venture partners familiar with Japanese business practices; in fact, it is not uncommon to find Thai people in the manufacturing industry who can speak fluent business Japanese and minimal English! 

Taken together, these factors make Thailand a compelling base for Japanese businesses looking to expand operations, manage supply chains, and access growing consumer markets in the region.