An interview with Suthatip Sridetprasart, Head of Legal at Pi Securities in Thailand.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
The GC Community in my region is Thai Corporate Counsel Association (Thai CCA) which was launched in June 2023 with a mission to rejuvenate Thailand’s in-house community and expand its reach across the region.
With firm objectives and development of a diverse professional network, we believe that we can successfully create a supportive legal ecosystem that provides significant benefits to all members in terms of sharing experiences, closing the knowledge gap, and providing regular updates on legal developments as well as regional and global trends in more advanced jurisdictions such as Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, etc.
Thai CCA stemmed from the incredible opportunities it offers to foster valuable networking connections among peers, both within Thailand and internationally. The Thai CCA stands out as an exceptional platform that brings together a diverse group of legal and compliance professionals, enabling us to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in our field.
Moreover, we will also include specific support to address diverse needs, such as industry community building for senior GCs, soft skills and leadership skills coaching for mid-senior level in-house counsel, and experience sharing for junior in-house counsel.
I am honoured to share my experiences as a member of the Thai CCA and I have recently had the privilege of becoming a steering committee member, specifically focusing on Membership Affairs.
Why is expanding your network important to you? What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
Expanding my network is essential because it allows me to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange valuable insights, and stay ahead of emerging trends in the legal industry. As a general counsel, having a strong professional network enables me to navigate complex legal challenges, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions that support business growth.
One of the key benefits of being part of Thai CCA is access to a diverse range of seminars, events, and roundtable discussions. These events not only provide timely updates on legal and regulatory developments but also create opportunities for meaningful discussions with industry leaders. By engaging with legal professionals, corporate executives, and experts from various sectors, I can gain new perspectives that enhance my role and decision-making.
To maximise these benefits, I will continue to foster collaborations across legal and non-legal fields, including law firms, corporations, legal recruitment agencies, and legal tech vendors. Strengthening these connections will allow me to tap into networking and learning opportunities, participate in annual conferences and legal awards events, and fully leverage the privileges of Thai CCA membership.
What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?
Success in an in-house legal role requires a unique blend of qualities that go beyond traditional legal expertise. Here are some essential qualities that I believe are crucial:
– Strong legal knowledge and expertise: in-house counsel must be well-versed in the relevant legal areas that impact their organisation, including contract law, corporate law, regulatory compliance, and more.
– Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify issues, analyse complex situations, and develop practical solutions is crucial. In-house counsel must be proactive and resourceful, often finding ways to mitigate risks while supporting business objectives.
– Communication skills: clear and effective communication is essential. In-house lawyers must be able to explain complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner to non-legal colleagues.
– Strategic thinking: beyond addressing immediate legal issues, in-house counsel should be forward-thinking and contribute to the strategic direction of the company.
