Santhapat Periera

In his multifaceted practice, Santhapat Periera helps clients—whether they are private, quasi-governmental, or governmental financial institutions, international or domestic businesses, or individual investors—capitalize on business opportunities in Asia. He specializes in structuring loan and financial transactions, establishing banks and other financial institutions, negotiating financing for trade and development projects, debt restructuring and business reorganization, mergers and acquisitions, energy and natural resources, and advising on the regulatory aspects of banking, financing, and investment in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Southeast Asia region.

Although based at Tilleke & Gibbins’ Bangkok office, Santhapat’s role is regional and he oversees the firm’s Vientiane office, which has achieved impressive growth under his leadership, earning him recognition as a leading individual in the Laos jurisdiction by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific and IFLR 1000.

With more than 25 years’ experience practicing law in emerging jurisdictions, Santhapat’s practice is grounded in Asia but inspired by his international education and professional experience. He received a global legal education from Thammasat University, the University of Miami, Boston University, and Harvard Law School. In addition to being a licensed attorney in Thailand, Santhapat holds a license to practice in Vietnam in the areas of foreign and international laws. Santhapat represents Tilleke & Gibbins in the worldwide legal organizations of Lex Mundi and the International Bar Association.

A firm believer that, “foreign investors anywhere would prefer to have stable and predictable government policy,” Santhapat has served as an advisor to several committees and subcommittees of the Thai Parliament. Santhapat advocates for increased investment in Thailand as the firm’s representative to various chambers of commerce, including The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand.