As a leading international wealth management firm in Thailand, SCB Julius Baer continues to reinforce its commitment to helping prominent Thai families build sustainable foundations for intergenerational wealth transfer. As part of this commitment, SCB Julius Baer concluded its flagship Wealth Planning Series with a deep and candid conversation on one of the most defining challenges facing multi-generational families: how to mend cracks in family relationships and build resilient bridges that support both unity and long-term continuity. Co-hosted with Baker McKenzie, the session brought together leading experts including Mr. Adrian Mazenauer, CEO of SCB Julius Baer; Ms. Lay Bee Loh, Head of Julius Baer Trust Company (Singapore) Limited; and Mr. Suksawat Watewai, Partner at Baker McKenzie Thailand. The session was moderated by Dr. Primyadar Duangrat, Partner at Baker McKenzie Thailand. The event was recently held at Park Hyatt Bangkok.

The discussion opened with a shared recognition that even families with well‑designed governance frameworks are not immune to conflict. Mr. Adrian Mazenauer highlighted that cracks often emerge “not from governance missing, but from misalignments beneath it — unclear roles, differences in vision, and unresolved ownership or succession tensions.”

Highlighting Family Trusts as a key mechanism for clarity and continuity, Ms. Lay Bee Loh shared a real case involving a Thai family with more than 20 Singapore properties held in various joint names — a structure that ultimately led to prolonged disputes and litigation. She explained that trusts can help separate emotion from decision‑making, provide impartiality between active and non‑active family members, and offer a clear framework for intergenerational wealth distribution. However, she cautioned that trusts are not a cure‑all. Conflicts may still arise due to perceived unfairness, lack of transparency, or changing family circumstances. The lesson, she noted, is that technical structures must be complemented by clear intent, governance discipline, and ongoing engagement with beneficiaries.

Shifting the focus from conflict to constructive resolution, Mr. Suksawat Watewai emphasised that families should move away from a mindset of “winning the argument” and instead establish credible and private processes for resolving disputes. Mediation, facilitated dialogue, and expert determination were highlighted as effective tools, while litigation should remain a last resort. For families with trust structures, Ms. Lay Bee Loh further recommended incorporating mediation or arbitration clauses, appointing neutral protectors, and establishing deadlock-breaking mechanisms to preserve both family relationships and continuity. Adrian also shared an example of a family that was able to overcome long-standing tensions after reconnecting in a familiar setting, allowing members to rediscover shared values and reopen constructive dialogue.

The discussion concluded with three key principles for strengthening family resilience across generations: begin with honest conversations about shared purpose, maintain open communication and regularly review roles, rights, and intentions, and invest in trust-building and early intervention alongside formal governance structures. These elements, the speakers noted, are essential for reducing ambiguity, strengthening alignment, and supporting long-term continuity.

With the completion of the Wealth Planning Series, SCB Julius Baer reaffirms its commitment to supporting Thailand’s prominent families as they navigate the complexities of governance, succession, and multi-generational legacy. “Families today face unprecedented change — from globalisation to generational transitions,” said Mr. Adrian Mazenauer. “Our role is to help them prepare today so they can protect tomorrow, with clarity, confidence, and unity.”