International law firm Clyde & Co has promoted Phutita Luksilakul to partner in its Bangkok office.
The move strengthens the firm’s litigation capabilities in the marine transport and insurance sectors across Southeast Asia.
Luksilakul brings more than a decade of experience advising on maritime disputes and commercial litigation.
Her practice includes cargo recovery actions, advising on ship arrest protocols in Thailand, and managing legal responses during maritime incidents. She also advises clients on carrier responsibilities, contract-related disputes, environmental claims, and debt recovery issues.
Her understanding of Thai civil procedures enables her to deliver targeted legal strategies and assessments of litigation risks for insurers and maritime operators.
Ik Wei Chong – partner at Clyde & Co’s energy, marine, and trade practice – said Luksilakul’s promotion is aligned with the firm’s strategy to support insurers and trading firms across ASEAN with localised expertise in maritime and trade law.
Simon McConnell, who chairs the firm’s Asia-Pacific board, added that the appointment reinforces the role of Clyde & Co’s Bangkok office in meeting client needs in a key regional market.
In a statement, Luksilakul said her focus will be on developing legal solutions that respond to shifts in trade dynamics and regulatory risks.
“I look forward to growing the firm’s regional marine and trade practice and the opportunities arising from the rapidly changing markets in these sectors. There is a strong client demand for lawyers who can help navigate these risks,” she said.
The promotion comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in the global shipping sector.
Allianz Commercial’s latest Safety and Shipping Review outlined risks confronting marine insurers, including geopolitical instability, trade realignments, and vessel safety incidents.
The report indicated a record low in large vessel losses, with 27 total losses in 2024 – down from 35 the previous year and significantly lower than historical figures. However, Allianz warned that conflict-related disruptions and operational threats are reshaping risk profiles.
The report also highlighted growing concerns about the so-called shadow fleet – unregulated tankers often involved in circumventing sanctions. Allianz estimates that 17% of the global tanker fleet operates in this way, posing risks to both safety and environmental compliance.
Fire incidents remain a significant concern for insurers. Allianz recorded 250 fire events in 2024, with seven resulting in total vessel loss. Many were linked to undeclared hazardous cargo, including lithium-ion batteries. Container and roll-on/roll-off vessels were the most frequently affected.
Cybersecurity risks and GPS interference are also escalating. Ransomware incidents now account for more than half of all large-value maritime cyber claims. At the same time, GPS jamming and spoofing have risen 40% year-on-year, disrupting vessel navigation and safety systems.
Clyde & Co’s Bangkok team is part of a broader Asia-Pacific network spanning Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Australia, and South Asia. The firm maintains joint ventures in Singapore and China to support compliance with local legal frameworks.
The firm first entered the Asia-Pacific region through its Hong Kong office over 40 years ago. It has since expanded to cover strategic legal hubs, positioning itself to offer both cross-border and domestic counsel in key insurance and transport markets.
