New Zealand Thai Chamber of Commerce (NZTCC)
President, November 2018 to November 2022 (two terms)
Joined the committee for a year before being elected President. Remained on the committee afterwards and served as Vice President.
Leadership
Maya Thong-Oui
Legal Partner | CEO | International Business Advisor
Combining legal expertise, commercial understanding and international business experience to help clients navigate life and business in Thailand.
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Executive Overview
A partner who sees the commercial picture
- Legal Partner and CEO of Premier Thai Lawyers.
- Extensive experience advising both Thai and international clients.
- A commercially focused approach, aligned to each client's wider objectives.
- Experience with entrepreneurs, SMEs, professionals, investors and larger organisations.
- A strong international business network and genuine cross-border experience.
Career Journey
From law faculty to leading a firm
- 01
Education
Thammasat University, 2004
Bachelor of Laws from Thammasat University, one of Thailand's most established law faculties.
- 02
Early Legal Career
International legal practice
Began her legal career before graduating, as a legal advisor at an international law firm.
- 03
Corporate Experience
Deloitte · DKSH
DKSH: legal advisor and senior lawyer within a major international trading and distribution group.
Deloitte: legal advisor and senior lawyer within a global professional services firm.
- 04
Entrepreneurial Leadership
Premier Thai Lawyers
Legal Partner and owner of Premier Thai Lawyers, based in Bangkok.
Focused on corporate and commercial work, alongside the firm's litigation team on labour and family matters.
International Leadership
A bridge between Thailand and the world
President of the New Zealand Thai Chamber of Commerce and the New Zealand ASEAN Business Alliance, and advisor to the New Zealand Thailand Business Association.
New Zealand ASEAN Business Alliance (NZABA)
President, February 2023 to 2024
Led the alliance's engagement on trade, investment and business connectivity between New Zealand and ASEAN.
New Zealand Thailand Business Association (NZTBA)
Advisor to the board
Advisor to a New Zealand-registered association, whose Honorary Advisor is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to New Zealand.
International Business Network
Relationships that open doors
Maya's connection with New Zealand began with Kiwi clients and grew into more than a decade of leadership in bilateral business communities. Today her network spans chambers, alliances and investment forums across New Zealand, ASEAN and beyond.
01
New Zealand
Chamber, business association and trade networks linking New Zealand companies with Thai opportunities, including the NZTCC and NZTBA.
02
ASEAN
Regional business connections through the New Zealand ASEAN Business Alliance.
03
Government & diplomatic
Working relationships with diplomatic and trade representatives, including the Ambassador of Thailand to New Zealand as Honorary Advisor of the NZTBA.
04
Russia & CIS investors
Invited speaker at the Russian-Thai Investment Forum 2025 in Phuket, advising investors entering the Thai market.
05
International business community
Ongoing relationships with entrepreneurs, investors and professional firms who bring clients and opportunities to Thailand.
Areas of Expertise
Where Maya advises
01Corporate & Commercial Law
02Foreign Investment
03Business Structuring
04Employment Law
05Property Transactions
06Family Matters
07Regulatory Compliance
08Business Expansion into Thailand
09Strategic Business Advisory
Representative Matters
Breadth of experience
Anonymised examples illustrating the range of clients and matters handled. No clients are identified.
- 01International businesses entering Thailand.
- 02Foreign investors structuring and protecting their investments.
- 03Entrepreneurs and SMEs establishing and operating in Thailand.
- 04Property owners acquiring, holding and transferring real estate.
- 05International families with cross-border legal and personal matters.
- 06Relocating professionals managing visas, tax and personal affairs.
- 07Business expansion projects across sectors.
- 08Corporate restructuring matters.
Leadership Philosophy
“Maya believes legal advice should be practical, commercially focused and aligned with the wider objectives of each client. Her approach combines legal expertise, business understanding and real-world experience to help clients make confident decisions in complex situations.”
Beyond the Office
The person behind the profile
01
International travel
A genuine interest in the cultures and markets that shape cross-border work.
02
Pilates & wellbeing
A disciplined practice that supports focus and energy.
03
Automotive interests
An appreciation for design, engineering and craftsmanship.
04
Current affairs & public policy
Close attention to the regulatory and policy environment shaping business.
05
Animal welfare & care
A personal commitment to the welfare and care of animals.
Community & Social Impact
Giving back
Premier Thai Lawyers believes professional success brings with it a responsibility to support the wider community.
Focus areas
- 01Community initiatives
- 02Educational support
- 03Disaster relief assistance
- 04Community development projects
- 05Animal welfare initiatives
- 06Charitable activities
This section will grow over time with community stories, projects and photographs.
Speaking Engagements & Publications
A voice in international business
Maya regularly speaks at events including business forums, trade missions, chamber events and industry conferences, and contributes articles and media commentary on international business and legal matters.
Speaking engagement27 Nov 2025
From Vision to License: The Legal Roadmap to Opening a Clinic in Thailand
Russian-Thai Investment Forum 2025, Healthcare & Biotechnology Track, Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort
Connect With Maya