Bangkok – 16 October 2025
Yesterday afternoon, Mahanakorn Partners Group (MPG) hosted an exclusive briefing for senior executives, business owners and decision‑makers seeking to strengthen their understanding of international arbitration and its relevance to cross‑border business operations. Held at MPG’s offices in Bangkok, the session brought together a select group of Thai and international industry leaders to explore how arbitration can offer efficient, neutral and enforceable solutions for commercial disputes and why the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) is increasingly regarded as the premier forum for resolving complex, multi‑jurisdictional cases.
Highlights from the programme
Insights from experienced practitioners. Opening the session, Mr. Luca Bernardinetti, Chairman & Managing Partner of MPG, welcomed guests and set the scene by emphasising the importance of structuring dispute resolution clauses at the outset of any cross‑border transaction. He noted that arbitration offers flexibility, confidentiality and a neutral venue compared with litigation in Thai courts and that it can minimise enforcement risks when the parties or their assets are spread across jurisdictions.
Understanding international arbitration and SIAC. Mr. Samuel Leong, Deputy Registrar of SIAC, Ms. Swati Jhaveri, Director & Head (Planning, Development & Research), Ms. Snigda Bhatta, Deputy Counsel, and Ms. Hannah Wee, Manager (Legal), collectively provided a succinct overview of international arbitration and the role of SIAC as Asia’s leading arbitration hub. They explained that the SIAC Rules provide streamlined procedures for smaller disputes (the Streamlined Procedure applies to disputes of S$1 million or less and aims for an award within six months) and an Expedited Procedure for cases up to S$10 million, which requires a sole arbitrator to issue an award within six months of the tribunal’s constitution. The SIAC panel also outlined enhancements in the 7th edition of the SIAC Rules, effective 1 January 2025, such as:
✓ Pre‑filing emergency relief and protective orders: parties may now request the appointment of an emergency arbitrator before filing a notice of arbitration, and the new rules introduce the possibility of obtaining protective preliminary orders on an ex parte basis; decisions on such applications must be issued within 24 hours.
✓ Administrative conferences and coordinated proceedings: the SIAC Registrar may convene administrative conferences to resolve procedural issues before the tribunal is constituted, and new provisions for coordinated proceedings allow multiple arbitrations involving common issues to be managed together.
✓ Preliminary determinations and firm timelines: tribunals are expressly empowered to make preliminary determinations on threshold issues, with decisions to be rendered within 90 days, and must issue draft awards within 90 days of the last submission, enhancing predictability for parties.
✓ Transparency around third‑party funding and security for costs: parties must disclose the existence of funding arrangements, and the tribunal can order disclosure of funding details and security for costs.
These updates, they explained, aim to enhance efficiency and transparency and to keep SIAC at the forefront of international arbitration. In addition to the rule changes, Mr. Leong discussed how SIAC’s case management and Registrar’s office facilitate the efficient administration of arbitrations; Ms. Bhatta highlighted practical experiences in cross‑border disputes and the importance of early procedural planning; and Ms. Wee emphasised the strategic advantages of selecting Singapore as the seat of arbitration, noting the neutrality and enforceability of SIAC awards and the user‑friendly features of the 2025 rules.
Practical guidance for business leaders. Mr. Kelvin Koh, Arbitration Specialist at MPG, translated these developments into practical considerations for Thai businesses. He discussed how MPG helps clients draft tailored arbitration clauses that designate Singapore as the seat and SIAC as the forum, giving them access to world‑class arbitration while retaining flexibility to adapt procedures. He also highlighted the importance of including mechanisms for interim relief, consolidation and joinder to manage disputes that may involve multiple contracts or parties.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees engaged actively with the speakers, asking questions about the cost and duration of arbitration, the enforceability of SIAC awards in Thailand and the interplay between arbitration and mediation. The session reinforced that arbitration is not merely a legal mechanism but a strategic business tool that can mitigate risks, preserve commercial relationships and protect investments.
Acknowledgements
MPG extends its sincere gratitude to SIAC for partnering with us on this informative session and to the entire SIAC delegation — Mr. Samuel Leong, Ms. Swati Jhaveri, Ms. Snigda Bhatta and Ms. Hannah Wee — for sharing their expertise. We also thank Mr. Kelvin Koh for his practical insights and all participants whose thoughtful questions and contributions made the discussion lively and productive. This event underscored our shared commitment to equipping business leaders with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of international arbitration.
About Mahanakorn Partners Group (MPG)
Mahanakorn Partners Group is a leading multidisciplinary professional services firm headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, providing legal, tax, corporate and strategic advisory services across a range of industries and jurisdictions. With deep expertise in banking and finance, international dispute resolution and cross‑border transactions, MPG is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional client service.
About the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
The Singapore International Arbitration Centre is a premier global institution for commercial arbitration. Recognised for its efficiency, transparency and user‑friendly rules, SIAC provides cutting‑edge dispute resolution services for parties worldwide. Its 7th edition rules (effective 1 January 2025) introduce a streamlined procedure, enhanced emergency relief, coordinated proceedings and clear timelines for awards, reinforcing SIAC’s position as Asia’s preferred arbitration hub.
