Rajah & Tann Regional Round-Up your snapshot of key legal developments in Asia Issue 1 - May/Jun/Jul 2013

	Thailand Enacts New Laws to Govern Joint Investment Projects Between State and Private Sector In 1992, Thailand introduced the Act on Private Participation in State Undertakings ("Act") with the aim of regulating the process for joint investment projects between the state and the private sector and creating greater transparency.  Over time, it became apparent that certain issues such as the lengthy approvals process under the Act, a lack of clarity in the roles and responsibilities of state officials and issues regarding the consideration as to whether a particular project would fall under the definitions of the Act led to difficulties in the interpretation and enforcement of its provisions. These uncertainties have led to the recent enactment of the Act on Participation by Private Parties in Investment in State Businesses 2013 ("New Act"), which came into force on 4 April 2013. The New Act seeks to address many of the issues previously unclear  in the Act and lays down more substantive policies that are not only consistent with state policies and fiscal principles but also create a much sought-after transparency  in the process.  Specifically, the New Act contains provisions concerning the role and participation of state officials in the approvals process, empowering them to monitor the relevant standards and promote joint state and private sector investments.  Other significant changes include clearer definitions of key phrases, clarification in respect of the policy framework, as well as new provisions on: the Policy Committee, procedures on the strategic plan for private participation in state business and amendments to contract provisions. Please note that whilst the information in this Update is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as a substitute for specific professional advice.	R&T Asia (Thailand) 973 President Tower, 12th Floor, Units 12A - 12F , Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand http://th.rajahtannasia.com Contacts: Krida Phoonwathu Partner D +66 2656 1991 F +66 2264 5057 krida.phoonwathu@rajahtann.com Nattarat Boonyatap Partner D +66 2656 1991 F +66 2264 5057 nattarat.boonyatap@rajahtann.com Nat Sunthornsaj Associate Director D +66 2264 5055 F +66 2264 5057 nat.sunthornsaj@rajahtann.com Mark Cheng Partner D +65 62320446 mark.cheng@rajahtann.com Howard Cheam Partner D +65 62320685 howard.cheam@rajahtann.com Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of legal practices based in Asia. Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local legal requirements. Services provided by a member firm are governed by the terms of engagement between the member firm and the client. This update is solely intended to provide general information and does not provide any advice or create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on this update.