{"id":106848,"date":"2025-06-05T09:01:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T09:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=106848"},"modified":"2025-08-19T07:38:47","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T07:38:47","slug":"thailand-class-actions","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/thailand-class-actions\/","title":{"rendered":"Thailand: Class Actions"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-106848","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-class-actions","jurisdictions-thailand"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Weerawong, Chinnavat &amp; Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/03\/Weerawong-cp.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Weerawong, Chinnavat &amp; Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/03\/Weerawong-cp.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Class Actions laws and regulations applicable in Thailand<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction have a class action or collective redress mechanism? If so, please describe the mechanism and outline the principal sources of law and regulation and its overarching impact on the conduct of class actions in your jurisdiction.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Since 2015, Thailand has had a class action mechanism governed by <strong>Sections 222\/1 to 222\/49 of the Thai Civil Procedure Code<\/strong> <strong>B.E. 2477 (1934)<\/strong>, amended B.E. 2558 (2015). This mechanism allows a plaintiff to file a lawsuit on behalf of a group of persons who share the same legal rights arising from the same facts and legal issues. This increases the potential impact on the defendant, as the plaintiff, class members, and their counsel are entitled to several favorable rights under the law.<\/p>\n<p>To initiate a class action, the plaintiff must first file a motion for class certification with the court. The court will consider whether the case meets statutory criteria, including the presence of numerous potential claimants, common legal and factual issues, adequacy of the representative plaintiff and counsel, and whether handling the case as an ordinary proceeding would be inefficient or impractical, given the nature of the facts and the parties involved.<\/p>\n<p>Once certified, the court will define the class, appoint the representative plaintiff and legal counsel, and order that notice of the class action be disseminated to the public through various channels, including newspapers, the court\u2019s bulletin board, and its website.<\/p>\n<p>Thailand uses an automatic opt-in system, meaning all individuals who meet the court-defined criteria are automatically considered class members and are entitled to legal rights and protections. Those who wish to opt out must do so within the time and manner prescribed by the court. If they do not opt out, any judgment or court-approved settlement will be binding on them.<\/p>\n<p>This mechanism significantly influences litigation in Thailand by enhancing access to justice, promoting judicial efficiency, and allowing for the aggregation of claims that would otherwise be impractical to pursue individually. In practice, it also increases the potential liability for defendants, given the higher risks and stakes involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the history of the development of the class actions\/collective redress mechanism and its policy basis in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The class action mechanism was introduced into the Thai legal system in 2015 via the Civil Procedure Code Amendment Act (No. 27) B.E. 2558 (2015), which came into force on 4 December 2015. Prior to this amendment, Thai procedural law did not provide a formal framework for representative or collective lawsuits. The adoption of class actions aimed to address concerns over access to justice in cases involving widespread harm affecting numerous individuals, particularly where the cost of individual litigation would be disproportionate to the potential relief.<\/p>\n<p>The policy rationale underlying the reform was to enhance judicial efficiency, reduce repetitive litigation, and provide an effective remedy for individuals whose rights were similarly affected. It was particularly designed to empower consumers, employees, and shareholders to seek redress in civil claims involving shared legal and factual issues.<\/p>\n<p>As a result of this rationale, an automatic opt-in mechanism was adopted, whereby the court defines the criteria for class membership, and anyone who fits those criteria is automatically considered a class member and benefits from the outcome of the judgment, if favorable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the frequency of class actions brought in your jurisdiction, in terms of number of cases over the years and\/or comparison to other types of litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is currently no publicly available consolidated data on the frequency of class actions in Thailand. Nonetheless, since the introduction of class action legislation, and with the increasing presence of businesses, particularly in platform-based, industrial, and environmentally sensitive sectors, that serve large consumer bases, we have observed a growing trend in class action filings in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>While the overall number of class action lawsuits remains low compared to general civil litigation, these cases are often high-stakes and complex, typically involving substantial claims and requiring the identification of representative plaintiffs to initiate proceedings on behalf of the class.<\/p>\n<p>As such, companies operating in high-exposure sectors should proactively assess legal risks and ensure robust compliance frameworks. At the same time, potential claimants are increasingly viewing class actions as a viable method of obtaining collective redress in cases of widespread harm, and as a way to exert settlement negotiation pressure on defendants.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there certain courts or types of claims that are most prevalent (for example competition vs commercial litigation generally)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Class actions can be brought in any court of justice with jurisdiction over civil matters, except for the District Courts<sup>1<\/sup>, under Section 222\/3. <strong>There is no dedicated \u201cclass action\u201d court<\/strong>; rather, the court that would normally hear the underlying claim also handles the class action.<\/p>\n<p>Common types of claims include consumer protection (e.g., product liability, defective products), environmental disputes, labour disputes, securities litigation, and cases involving digital assets.<\/p>\n<p>We anticipate growth in class actions involving misrepresentation, such as greenwashing, false information in Initial Coin Offering (ICO) white papers, or the provision of services via decentralized blockchain applications.<\/p>\n<p><u>Footnote(s):<\/u><\/p>\n<p><sup style=\"font-size: 9px\">1<\/sup> <span style=\"font-size: 12px\"> The District Courts are courts of first instance within the judiciary, established under the law, and composed of <strong>a single judge sitting as the quorum<\/strong>. They have duties and powers to adjudicate <strong>1) <\/strong><strong>civil cases<\/strong> in which the disputed property value or the claimed amount <strong>does not exceed THB 300,000<\/strong>, and <strong>2) criminal cases in which the maximum penalty<\/strong> prescribed by law is <strong>imprisonment not exceeding three years, or a fine not exceeding THB 60,000<\/strong>, or both imprisonment and fine.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the definition of 'class action' or 'collective redress' relevant to your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Thailand, pursuant to the definition under Section 222\/1, a <strong>\u201cclass action\u201d refers to a legal proceeding in which the court permits a lawsuit to be filed that seeks a judgment binding on the plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and all members of the class<\/strong>. Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the class members share common legal and factual issues and that the claims are appropriate for collective adjudication in a single proceeding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the general 'triggers' for commencement of a class action or collective redress in your jurisdiction from a factual perspective?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A class action may be initiated when individuals suffer the same type of harm from the same incident, thereby having identical rights arising from the same factual and legal grounds, and sharing common characteristics as members of a defined group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How do class actions or collective redress proceedings typically interact with regulatory enforcement findings? e.g. competition or financial regulators?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Class actions in Thailand are civil proceedings in which both private individuals and government agencies may be considered aggrieved parties. Typically, private parties may seek assistance from state authorities in gathering evidence, while government agencies have independent authority to collect such evidence.<\/p>\n<p>In class actions under civil procedure, the court may appoint a class action officer, who is deemed a competent official under the Thai Criminal Code B.E. 2499 (1956), as amended, with authority to summon individuals to provide information or submit documents necessary for the case. These proceedings follow an inquisitorial model, allowing the court to take an active role in fact-finding. This structure enhances plaintiffs\u2019 and class members\u2019 ability to gather evidence and presents greater challenges for defendants in defending the case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What types of conduct and causes of action can be relied upon as the basis for a class action or collective redress mechanism?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Any civil claim involving <strong>a large number of individuals with shared facts, damages, and legal issues <\/strong>may be eligible for a class action, provided it meets the statutory requirements under the Thai Civil Procedure Code.<\/p>\n<p>Such claims may include:<strong> (1) tortious acts; (2) breach of contract; and (3) claims under various statutes<\/strong>, including those related to the environment, consumer protection, labour law, securities and exchange, and competition law, as exemplified in Section 222\/8.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any limitations of types of claims that may be brought on a collective basis?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Thai law does not expressly limit the types of civil claims that may be brought as class actions, so long as the statutory requirements for certification are met. The law does provide illustrative examples, as noted in answer number 8. However, certain areas of law, such as family and inheritance matters, may fall outside the scope of class actions due to their inherently personal nature and unique legal considerations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who may bring class action or collective redress proceeding? (e.g. qualified entities, consumers etc)<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p><strong>Any person who qualifies as a plaintiff under general Thai civil procedure <\/strong><strong>rules <\/strong><strong>may <\/strong><strong>initiate<\/strong><strong> a class action<\/strong>. There are no specific limitations restricting the right to bring such proceedings to particular entities or groups. Accordingly, consumers, employees, shareholders, or any persons with common legal and factual issues may file a class action, provided that the statutory requirements under the Thai Civil Procedure Code are satisfied.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any limits on the nationality or domicile of claimants in class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Thai Civil Procedure Code does not impose any restrictions based on nationality or domicile for participation in class actions. General rules of civil procedure apply, meaning both Thai and foreign individuals or legal entities may be plaintiffs, defendants, or class members, provided the court has jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the competent court is generally determined based on the defendant\u2019s domicile or the location where the cause of action arose. <strong>Foreign parties may be included in the class if the claim properly falls within the jurisdiction of the Thai courts.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any limitations on size or type of class?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, Thai law does not impose specific limitations on the size or type of class. <strong>It merely requires that the class consist of \u201ca large number\u201d of <\/strong><strong>persons<\/strong> who share the same legal and factual issues, and that proceeding via a regular case would be complicated or impractical, according to Section 222\/8 and 222\/12. There is no fixed numerical threshold; rather, it depends on whether the plaintiff\u2019s counsel can persuasively demonstrate these elements to the court. For example, we have seen class action cases where the number of class members ranged from approximately 50 to 920. In one environmental case, the court considered the number of class members to be unlimited, as it defined the criteria to include all individuals affected by the incident. This posed a significant open-ended contingent risk for the defendant and negatively impacted its business, ultimately requiring the company to disclose the risk exposure to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the public.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any requirements or prohibitions in sourcing this class?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no explicit prohibitions on how a class is sourced. However<strong>, the plaintiff <\/strong><strong>must<\/strong><strong> describe in the complaint the common characteristics <\/strong><strong>shared by<\/strong><strong> class <\/strong><strong>members<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While there are no Thai precedents that explicitly reject class certification for cases involving subjective or individualized harm (such as nuisance or odor claims), academic commentary and comparative legal analysis suggest that such cases may not be well-suited for class treatment. Although Thai law is rooted in individual rights, it can be argued that the judiciary should consider international practices and trends in comparative law when determining the appropriateness of class actions in such contexts to ensure practical justice for all parties involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which courts deal with class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Class action proceedings may be brought before <strong>any court with jurisdiction over the subject matter<\/strong>, except for the District Courts. In practice, most class actions fall under the jurisdiction of specialized divisions, such as the Labour Court, the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, or the Environmental Division of the Civil Court, depending on the nature of the dispute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any jurisdictional obstacles to class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p><strong>There are no jurisdictional barriers to filing class actions in Thailand<\/strong>. The Thai legal system treats both foreign and domestic parties equally. Therefore, foreign individuals or juristic persons may participate in class actions, provided the Thai court has jurisdiction over the dispute in accordance with the general rules of Thai civil procedure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction adopt an \u201copt in\u201d or \u201copt out\u201d mechanism?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p><strong>Thailand uses an opt-out mechanism for class actions. Individuals who fall within the defined scope of the class are automatically considered members and are not required to affirmatively join or opt-in. <\/strong>However, class members may choose to exclude themselves by exercising their right to opt out. To do so, they must clearly express their intention in writing and submit the notice to the court in accordance with the procedures prescribed under Section 222\/16 and within the timeframe specified by the court\u2019s order. The court will then issue an order acknowledging the members\u2019 opt-out.<\/p>\n<p>This underscores the importance of strictly complying with the opt-out procedure to avoid being legally bound by an unfavorable judgment, especially for those who wish not to be subject to the court\u2019s judgment and prefer to pursue a separate claim outside the class action. Failure to comply with the prescribed requirements may result in the opt-out being challenged as part of the litigation strategy during the proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is required (i.e. procedural formalities) in order to start a class action or collective redress claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>To initiate a class action, Section 222\/9 stipulates that the plaintiff must submit a petition along with the complaint, requesting that the case proceed as a class action. The complaint must clearly specify the nature of the claim, the relief sought, and the factual basis for the claim, including how it applies to both the plaintiff and others similarly situated.<\/p>\n<p>The petition must present reasonable grounds for the court to allow the case to proceed as a class action. Before granting permission, the court will conduct a hearing involving all parties to determine whether certification is appropriate. In accordance with Section 222\/10, the court will only approve the class action if it is satisfied that the legal requirements are met. These include showing <strong>that the group members share clear and common characteristics, that the group is large enough to make individual lawsuits impractical, and that proceeding as a class action is fairer and more efficient<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other mandatory procedural requirements apply to these types of matters?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In addition to the certification requirements, <strong>Thai law under Section 222\/12 imposes further conditions regarding the qualifications of the plaintiff and their legal counsel<\/strong>. The plaintiff must demonstrate a legal right or interest in the same matter as other class members and must be able to fairly and adequately represent the group without any conflicts of interest, given the significant impact the outcome may have on all parties involved.<\/p>\n<p>The plaintiff\u2019s lawyer must also meet statutory qualifications and demonstrate sufficient knowledge, competence, and experience in handling complex litigation of this nature, to effectively represent the interests of the plaintiff and class members.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are normal civil procedure rules applied to these proceedings or a special set of rules adopted for this purpose?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Class action lawsuits in Thailand follow general civil procedure rules, supplemented by specific provisions under Sections 222\/1\u2013222\/49 of the Thai Civil Procedure Code and the Regulations of the President of the Supreme Court on Class Action Proceedings B.E. 2559 (2016). Where these specific rules are silent, general civil procedure applies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How long do these cases typically run for?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The duration of proceedings depends on the specific circumstances of each case, including its complexity, the number of parties involved, and the volume of evidence. Generally, <strong>class actions take longer than ordinary cases due to additional procedural steps, particularly during the certification phase<\/strong>. The court allows both parties to contest certification by submitting evidence, and any order on certification may be appealed, extending the timeline. Typically, if there are no major objections or delays, proceedings at the court of first instance may take about two to three years. However, due to a recent internal policy within the judiciary aimed at accelerating case resolution, this timeline may be shortened in the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What remedies are available to claimants in class action or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Claimants in class actions <strong>may seek all remedies available<\/strong> under standard civil procedure. These include <strong>monetary compensation, specific performance, injunctions, and orders for the return or delivery of property<\/strong>. Once a judgment or settlement is rendered, all class members, unless they have opted out, are entitled to the same relief granted under the court\u2019s judgment or approved settlement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are punitive or exemplary damages available for class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, punitive or exemplary damages may be awarded in class actions under specific statutes in Thailand. Notably, the <strong>Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979)<\/strong> and <strong>the Product Liability Act B.E. 2551 (2008)<\/strong> allow courts to award punitive damages in cases involving serious misconduct. For instance, this includes scenarios where a business knowingly produces, imports, or distributes unsafe products or acts with gross negligence by failing to prevent foreseeable harm after becoming aware of the risk. Such claims may also be brought through class action proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is a judge or multiple judges assigned to these cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Thai Civil Procedure Code does not specifically prescribe the number of judges assigned to class action cases. Accordingly, the assignment of judges is governed by the general provisions under the Act on the Organization of Courts of Justice B.E. 2543 (2000) and relevant legislation establishing specific courts. Depending on the court\u2019s nature and level, cases may be heard by either a single judge or a panel of judges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are class actions or collective redress proceedings subject to juries?  If so, what is the role of juries?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Thailand has <strong>no jury system<\/strong> in its judicial proceedings, and this applies equally to class actions. All questions of fact and law are decided by judges, either individually or as part of a panel, depending on the rules governing the court\u2019s composition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the measure of damages for class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The measure of damages in class action proceedings in Thailand <strong>follows the general principles applicable to civil litigation<\/strong>. This includes actual damages arising from tortious conduct, damages based on contract value in contractual disputes, or other quantifiable losses. Pursuant to Section 222\/10, the plaintiff must clearly state the basis for and method of calculating the claimed damages in the relief section of the complaint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there any mechanism for the collective settlement of class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, under the Thai Civil Procedure Code, governing class actions, there is a mechanism for the collective settlement of such proceedings. <strong>Any settlement agreement reached between the parties must be submitted to the court for approval. <\/strong>Upon receipt of the proposed settlement, the court is empowered to intervene and consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class members, in accordance with the requirements prescribed under Section 222\/32.<\/p>\n<p>If the court finds that any part of the settlement is unfair or prejudicial to the interests of the class members, it may order the parties to amend the agreement accordingly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Before approval is granted, the court will issue a public announcement through various channels such as a well-known newspaper, the court\u2019s website, and a written announcement at the court\u2019s premise setting<\/strong> <strong>a period not less than forty-five days during which class members may object to the settlement or choose to opt out<\/strong>. Once approved by the court, the settlement becomes binding on all members of the class.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there any judicial oversight for settlements of class actions or collective redress mechanisms?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Before granting approval, as outlined in answer number 26, <strong>the court must determine whether the proposed settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class members<\/strong>. In doing so, the court will take into account several factors as prescribed in Section 222\/32, including the number of objections from class members, the defendant\u2019s ability to pay the agreed damages, and whether the settlement is equitable and beneficial to the class as a whole. This mechanism ensures that class action settlements are subject to judicial oversight, thereby protecting the rights of all affected parties, especially consumers and other individuals represented in the class.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the top three emerging business risks that are the focus of class action or collective redress litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>One of the most rapidly expanding areas of class action and collective redress litigation is<strong> consumer protection and product liability<\/strong>. These cases often involve defective pharmaceuticals, vehicle safety issues, deceptive marketing practices, or misleading financial product terms. E-commerce platforms and digital service providers face increased exposure due to their broad user base and the potential for widespread consumer harm.<\/p>\n<p>Secondly, <strong>ESG-related claims<\/strong> are becoming more prominent in class actions. These typically arise from alleged failures to meet environmental standards (e.g., pollution, deforestation), social responsibilities (e.g., labor rights violations), or governance obligations (e.g., misleading sustainability disclosures). Regulatory scrutiny and investor activism are intensifying the pressure on companies, particularly in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and finance.<\/p>\n<p>A third emerging risk involves <strong>politically motivated litigation<\/strong>, especially in rural or local business contexts. There have been instances where class actions are initiated through the mobilization of community members by political figures, often targeting local enterprises to gain public support. These cases raise concerns about the potential misuse of collective litigation mechanisms for political or populist agendas, rather than for legitimate legal redress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What trends in litigation are evident in the last three years in your jurisdiction in respect of class actions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Over the past three years, Thailand has seen a notable increase in class action lawsuits. This trend has been supported by the development of judicial precedents, growing awareness among the public and legal practitioners, and the emergence of new legal standards. While some legal provisions continue to be interpreted narrowly, class actions are increasingly recognized as effective tools for addressing reputational harm, even when the monetary value of claims is relatively modest.<\/p>\n<p>Class actions are also gaining traction as instruments of broader social accountability. Environmental cases, including those involving allegations of greenwashing, are becoming more common. Other active areas include disputes related to network marketing schemes, digital platforms, digital assets, and damages from natural disasters such as earthquakes. Since Thai law allows virtually any civil dispute to proceed as a class action if statutory requirements are met, the scope of such litigation continues to expand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Where do you foresee the most significant legal development in the next 12 months in respect of collective redress and class actions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The most significant legal developments in the coming year are likely to center on <strong>the interpretation of statutory provisions and the evolving understanding of class actions among legal practitioners and the judiciary.<\/strong> As more cases are filed and adjudicated, particularly those involving settlements and procedural innovations, <strong>the growing body of court precedents and judicial orders concerning the initiation of new class action cases will play a critical role<\/strong> in shaping the practical application of the law. These developments will gradually refine the legal and procedural framework for collective redress in Thailand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are class actions or collective redress proceedings being brought for \u2018ESG\u2019 matters? If so, how are those claims being framed?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Thailand, most ESG-related class actions have focused on environmental issues\u2014the \u201cE\u201d in ESG. However, there is a growing number of cases involving governance-related concerns\u2014the \u201cG\u201d\u2014particularly those involving misrepresentations. These claims are often framed as breaches of contract, such as situations where investors allege that, had they been aware the representations made were untrue, they would not have entered into the transaction. Common examples include misleading statements during IPOs or the sale of digital or utility tokens.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any proposals for the reform of class actions or collective redress proceedings? If so, what are those proposals?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>At present, there are no formal legislative proposals for the reform of class actions or collective redress proceedings in Thailand. However, some academics and legal commentators have raised concerns and proposed amendments to enhance the existing legal framework. Key recommendations include encouraging state agencies to play a more active role in supporting class action proceedings, and urging both government bodies and the judiciary to adopt a more proactive and efficient approach in enforcing the law effectively.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, the current procedural requirement to publish notices of class action proceedings in newspapers is widely viewed as outdated and not aligned with contemporary communication practices. This could result in affected individuals being bound by a court judgment without being properly informed of their right to opt out, thereby risking the loss of their legal rights. There are also concerns related to data protection under the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019), as the public disclosure of case details, particularly through newspaper publications, may increase the risk of data breaches in today\u2019s digital age.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4294<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/106848","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=106848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}