Partners

Cynthia M. Pornavalai

Counsel, Corporate & Commercial

Key Practices

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Laws, Kyoto University
  • LLM, Kyoto University
  • LLB, Kyoto University
  • BA, University of the Philippines

Cynthia M. Pornavalai is a champion of business rights in Thailand. From advising foreign investors on mergers, acquisitions, banking and finance, and investing in Thailand to counselling major players in the Thai property market to helping lenders or debtors through debt restructuring and business reorganization matters, Cynthia’s practice is as varied as the business goals of her successful clients.

Cynthia is fluent in English, Japanese, Filipino, and Thai. Cynthia received in-depth legal training at Kyoto University, completing her LLB, LLM, and Doctor of Laws course. Drawing on her strong Japanese language and legal skills, she has developed a niche practice helping Japanese businesses invest and succeed in Thailand.

A prolific author and an in-demand speaker, Cynthia has penned numerous authoritative texts and has spoken in various conferences in Thailand and abroad. She is a Founding Member of the International Insolvency Institute and a member of the Japanese Securities Dealers Association.

Chambers Asia-Pacific recognises Cynthia as a leading lawyer in Thailand in the areas of Corporate/M&A and Real Estate.

  • Advised a diversified manufacturing company on Thailand acquisition financing related to its global acquisition of a plastic division in a USD 11.6 billion cash deal. She assisted in the acquisition of the Thai subsidiaries of the plastic division.
  • Assisted a Japanese venture capital company in drafting standard form investment agreements. The form agreements applied to various forms of investment both in stock and loans and to SME companies with listing prospects within a specified period.
  • Represented a Thai company in financing negotiations with a Malaysian investment group. Documentation and negotiations involved major creditors, the court, and the investor group.
  • Advised a key client on its various property joint venture projects with a major property group, including financing agreements, project joint venture agreements, and legal and tax structuring of specific condominium projects.
  • Represented a group investing in various high-end villa projects targeting the European market in Hua Hin and Phuket.
  • Acted as counsel to the developer of various condominium projects in Pattaya. Her involvement covered all aspects of the condominium project, including legal structuring of investor groups, financing, land acquisition, and contracts.

Chambers Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Band 3 for 11 consecutive years
Real Estate 2023 – Band 2

Asialaw Leading Lawyers
Corporate/M&A 2024 – Distinguished Practitioner for 5 consecutive years