{"id":142850,"date":"2026-06-10T09:48:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T09:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=142850"},"modified":"2026-06-10T12:34:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T12:34:42","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-142850","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\">Rajah &amp; Tann<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2023\/12\/Rajah-Tann-Thailand-Limited-Logo.png\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Rajah &amp; Tann<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2023\/12\/Rajah-Tann-Thailand-Limited-Logo.png\"\/><\/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(s) 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>Under Thai law, class actions are governed by the Civil Procedure Code (Amendment No. 26) B.E. 2558 (2015), codified in Sections 222\/1 to 222\/49 of the Civil and Commercial Procedure Code and supplemented by the Supreme Court Regulation on Class Actions B.E. 2559 (2016). A court-supervised mechanism is established in which the court plays a central role at every stage &#8211; certification, notice to class members, adjudication, and distribution. The regime functions as an overarching collective redress tool within the general procedural framework rather than as a standalone system, and applies broadly across civil and commercial disputes, including claims founded on wrongful acts (tort), breach of contract, and statutory rights in consumer, environmental, labor, securities, and trade competition matters.<\/p>\n<p>This framework operates alongside specialized procedural regimes, such as the Consumer Case Procedure Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and the Act on the Establishment of Labour Court and Labour Case Procedure B.E. 2522 (1979), as well as sector-specific enforcement laws. Regulatory bodies play an influential\u2014though non-binding\u2014role by generating findings that often underpin class claims.<\/p>\n<p>In practical terms, the system has reshaped litigation strategy in Thailand by enabling the large-scale aggregation of claims and enhancing corporate accountability, while strong judicial gatekeeping continues to balance access to justice against procedural control and fairness.<\/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 in Thailand originated from an initiative of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which sought to protect investors by enabling them to pursue collective claims without the need for individual lawsuits. The scope of the proposed mechanism was subsequently broadened by the Office of the Council of State to cover a wider range of claims, including those founded on wrongful act (tort), breach of contract, environmental, consumer, labour, and trade competition issues.<\/p>\n<p>Thailand\u2019s class action regime is built on a clear opt-out model. Individuals who suffer damage arising from the same facts and legal grounds are automatically included as a class member, unless they expressly opt out within the period prescribed by the court, and the resulting judgement binds all class members who have not opted out.<\/p>\n<p>This class action mechanism reflects a clear policy objective of enabling a large number of affected individuals with common characteristics to seek remedies more efficiently, reduces the burden of courts, lowers litigation costs, and reduces duplicate proceedings. As a result, the Civil Procedure Code was amended to allow class actions for all types of matters as specified above.<\/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 (divided by type of claim, as applicable), 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>Based on publicly available information, class actions in Thailand have traditionally been dominated by consumer-related disputes, particularly in sectors such as insurance, defective products, and telecommunications, reflecting the broad base of affected individuals and the relatively uniform nature of their claims. More recently, however, there has been a discernible shift toward the securities sector, with at least four class actions over the past three years arising from defaults in returns from investment arrangements, and defaults in payment obligations under bonds or debentures, indicating a growing utilization of the mechanism in capital markets disputes and a heightened willingness of investors to pursue collective 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\">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>Under Thai law, class actions are fully integrated into the ordinary court system, rather than being assigned to a separate specialized forum. In practice, proceedings are commenced before the competent Court of First Instance in accordance with the jurisdictional rules under the Civil Procedure Code, particularly those relating to the defendant\u2019s domicile or the place where the cause of action arose. Where the dispute falls within a specialized subject matter, jurisdiction may instead lie with courts such as the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, or the Labor Court.<\/p>\n<p>From a practical perspective, the most prevalent categories of class action in Thailand are consumer and product liability disputes, securities claims, and environmental claims, each of which typically involves widespread harm arising from common factual and legal issues and is therefore well-suited to collective adjudication.<\/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>Under Section 222\/1 of the Civil Procedure Code, a \u201cclass action\u201d is defined as a proceeding brought by a representative plaintiff on behalf of a group of persons whose rights arise from the same facts and legal basis and share the same essential characteristics, so that the dispute may be resolved collectively rather than through fragmented individual claims. While this statutory mechanism forms the core of collective litigation in Thailand, the broader concept of \u201ccollective redress\u201d extends to a wider ecosystem of tools, including consumer association claims under the Consumer Case Procedure Act, and public interest actions supported by constitutional or sector-specific laws. Plaintiffs can strategically choose between formal class actions and other representative mechanisms, reflecting Thailand\u2019s hybrid approach.<\/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>Class actions in Thailand are typically triggered by widespread, standardised harm in circumstances where individual litigation would be uneconomical. Four recurring trigger patterns are observable in practice: (i) mass consumer or financial losses\u2014defective products, mis-sold investments, insurance claim repudiations, and automotive defects; (ii) diffuse environmental harm affecting identifiable communities, frequently triggered by Pollution Control Department enforcement; (iii) systemic employment misconduct, including mass dismissals and unpaid statutory benefits; and (iv) securities misconduct causing losses to a class of investors, often following SEC enforcement.<\/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, environmental 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>Under Thai law, class actions operate independently of regulatory enforcement findings. In practice, during the hearings, the parties may adduce a regulator as an expert witness to testify confirming or explaining the related regulatory enforcement findings.<\/p>\n<p>Thai courts generally regard such findings as supportive but not determinative, giving weight to the expertise of regulators while maintaining independent judicial scrutiny over liability, causation, and damages under Section 222\/12 of the Civil Procedure Code. In practice, therefore, regulatory actions often act as a catalyst for class litigation by shaping the evidence available to claimants and strengthening certification prospects.<\/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>Section 222\/8 of the Civil Procedure Code limits class actions to three categories of claims: (i) claims in wrongful act (tort claims); (ii) breach of contract; and (iii) claims based on other legal rights, which include statutory rights under laws such as consumer protection, securities, environmental, and trade competition legislation. Within these categories, the court focuses on whether the claims share common facts and legal issues and are suitable for collective adjudication.<\/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>Under Thai law, there is no fixed statutory restriction on the types of claims that may be pursued via class actions; instead, admissibility is determined through the court\u2019s strict certification gatekeeping under Section 222\/12 of the Civil Procedure Code, which requires commonality, typicality, adequacy of representation, and overall procedural efficiency. In practice, this results in an important functional limitation: Thai courts tend to refuse certification where claims involve highly individualised issues\u2014particularly on causation and damages\u2014that would require case-by-case adjudication, thereby undermining the efficiency of collective proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>Based on publicly available information, the court has dismissed some class action petitions on the grounds that the basis for calculating damages differed among the class members and the methods of calculation in relation to payments to 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\">Who may bring a class action or collective redress proceeding? (e.g. qualified entities, consumers, companies 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>Section 222\/1 of the Civil Procedure Code provides that a class action may be initiated by any natural or juristic person who is a member of the class and has the same rights as other class members, provided that such person is able to adequately represent the class. This right is, however, read together with Section 222\/8 of the Civil Procedure Code, which limits the types of claims that may be pursued (i.e. tort, breach of contract, or other legal rights). Accordingly, any individual, consumer, or company that falls within the affected class and whose claim arises within these statutory categories may bring a class action, subject to the court\u2019s certification of their suitability as a class representative. Furthermore, there are some precedents in which the court allowed NGOs (such as the Thailand Consumers Council) to act as the plaintiff, instead of the actual injured persons.<\/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>There are no restrictions on nationality or domicile applicable to either the plaintiff or the class members. Accordingly, both Thai and foreign individuals, as well as juristic persons, may participate in class actions as claimants and class members.<\/p>\n<p>However, jurisdiction remains governed by the general principles under the Civil Procedure Code. In particular, the court must establish jurisdiction based on the defendant\u2019s domicile or the place where the cause of action arose.<\/p>\n<p>Notwithstanding the absence of nationality or domicile limitations, certain practical limitations should be noted. In particular, the publication of the court\u2019s certification order is typically affected through domestic channels within Thailand. This may give rise to practical challenges in ensuring effective notice to overseas class members and, consequently, may affect the overall efficiency of cross-border class participation.<\/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>There is no prescribed statutory limit on the size of a class under Thai law. Nevertheless, pursuant to Section 222\/12 of the Civil Procedure Code, the court will only permit a class action where the class comprises a sufficiently large number of members such that individual proceedings would be impracticable or would give rise to undue complexity or inconvenience. The Court must be satisfied that the class action mechanism constitutes a more efficient and equitable means of resolving the dispute than ordinary court 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\">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 generally no specific statutory requirements or prohibitions governing the sourcing of the class. However, a group of injured or affected persons seeking permission to proceed with a class action must share the same legitimate cause of action of their own, namely, that their rights have been infringed and are capable of being enforced under Section 55 of the Civil Procedure Code.<\/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 actions are handled within the ordinary judicial hierarchy, meaning they are brought before the Court of First Instance with subject-matter jurisdiction over the dispute, typically the Civil Court or provincial courts for general matters, or specialized courts such as the Central Labor Court, or Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court where the claim falls within those domains. Appeals from both certification decisions and final judgments follow the standard appellate pathway to the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court. Higher courts play an important role in shaping class action jurisprudence, particularly on certification standards and procedural fairness, thereby ensuring consistency while allowing flexibility for complex, multi-party disputes.<\/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>Class actions are subject to the standard jurisdictional framework under the Civil Procedure Code; no special jurisdictional gateway is unique to the class action mechanism.<\/p>\n<p>The principal obstacles arise not from the class action mechanism itself but from cross-border procedural realities, particularly where foreign defendants or class members are involved. Service of process on foreign defendants must be effected through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since Thailand is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents, service cannot be effected through the Convention\u2019s streamlined procedures. This can add six months or more to the pre-trial phase and introduces material uncertainty, making early procedural planning particularly important for cross-border class actions. As a result, while Thai law does not prohibit cross-border class actions, cases involving overseas defendants or class members encounter material practical difficulties in effecting valid service and progressing the claim efficiently, making early jurisdictional and procedural planning especially important.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, although virtual hearings are available in certain circumstances, their use remains subject to the court\u2019s discretion. Where such procedures are not permitted, foreign defendants or class members may face practical limitations in participating effectively in the hearings.<\/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>Under Thai law, class actions operate on an opt-out basis. Once the court certifies the class and approves the notice procedure, all persons falling within the defined class are automatically included and bound by the judgment unless they expressly opt out within the prescribed period under Section 222\/16 of the Civil Procedure Code. This model significantly enhances procedural efficiency by consolidating large numbers of claims while preserving individual autonomy through the right to withdraw. In practice, however, the effectiveness of this approach is contingent upon robust, court\u2011supervised notice mechanisms to ensure effective communication with all class members, including those overseas. Judicial oversight is therefore central to maintaining an appropriate balance between inclusiveness and procedural fairness.<\/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 commence a class action in Thailand, the plaintiff must file a statement of claim together with a petition seeking the court\u2019s permission to proceed on a class basis. The court will notify the defendant and conduct a certification hearing to determine whether the statutory requirements are met, including that the class is sufficiently large, clearly defined, and that class proceedings are a fairer and more efficient mechanism than ordinary litigation, as well as that the plaintiff and proposed counsel can adequately represent the class.<\/p>\n<p>If the court grants certification, it may define the scope of the class and the case will proceed as a class action with the plaintiff\u2019s counsel acting on behalf of the entire class, subject to court\u2011approved notice procedures. Furthermore, during the proceedings, the court has the authority to order the subdivision of the class where there are differences in the nature of the damages among members of the class.<\/p>\n<p>Where the court does not grant certification to proceed as a class action, or if at any stage the class action mechanism is found to be inadequate to protect or benefit the class members, or is no longer necessary, the court has the authority to revoke the certification of the class action, and the case will continue as an ordinary individual 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 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>Other mandatory procedural requirements for commencing a class action are set out in Section 222\/10 of the Civil Procedure Code. First, the complaint must clearly state the nature of the alleged offence, the relief sought, and the factual grounds giving rise to the claim of both the plaintiff and the class members. Where monetary relief is sought, the relief must also specify an appropriate method for calculating the amount due to each class member.<\/p>\n<p>Second, the plaintiff, in its capacity as class representative, is required to bear the court fees only in respect of its own claim as set out in its prayer for relief. Following certification of the class action, the court will order the plaintiff to deposit a sum for expenses as it deems appropriate within 7 days. Failure to comply with such order may result in the dismissal of the class action, with the proceedings continuing on an individual basis, pursuant to Section 222\/14 of the Civil Procedure Code.<\/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>Apart from the specific provisions governing class actions under Chapter 4 of the Civil Procedure Code (Sections 222\/1 to 222\/49), the general procedural rules of the Civil Procedure Code continue to apply. Class actions are also subject to the Supreme Court Regulation on Class Actions, B.E. 2559 (2016), which provides further procedural guidance and requirements specific to the conduct of class actions. However, where a case falls within specific laws, such as on consumer and labour cases, the class action must comply with the specific procedures set out under those laws, namely, the Consumer Case Procedure Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and the Act on the Establishment of Labor Court Case Procedure B.E. 2522 (1979) respectively.<\/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 Civil Procedure Code requires the court to consider certification without undue delay, but does not prescribe a fixed timeframe. In practice, the duration varies depending on the class size, complexity, and any objections raised, i.e. from a few months to approximately three years. If the certification is appealed, it may take up to two years or more for the final determination.<\/p>\n<p>Once certified, the case may be treated as a special ordinary case under the Notification of the Office of the Judiciary Re: Determination of Timeframes for Case Adjudication of the Courts of Justice B.E. 2568 (2025), with proceedings at the court of first instance generally expected to conclude within approximately eighteen months from the date the complaint is accepted.<\/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>In class action proceedings, the plaintiff and the class members may seek remedies for the loss they have suffered. Such remedies may include monetary compensation, specific performance, or injunctive relief (i.e. requiring the defendant to perform or refrain from certain acts), depending on the nature of the claim. The availability and scope of such remedies will ultimately depend on the claimant\u2019s ability to establish the extent of the loss and the appropriateness and feasibility of the relief sought.<\/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 any financial remedies 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 or collective redress proceedings is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the underlying claims, such as breach of contract, wrongful acts (tort), or other legal grounds.<\/p>\n<p>In principle, damages are assessed with reference to the actual loss suffered by the plaintiffs and class members, which must be real, direct, and supported by sufficient evidence. In addition, punitive damages may be awarded where expressly permitted by law and where the circumstances justify such relief.<\/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>Punitive damages are generally not available under Thai law unless they are provided for under specific laws. Specifically, punitive damages may be available in consumer-related cases involving claims under the Product Liability Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) \u2013 where the court may award additional damages exceeding the actual loss in appropriate circumstances.<\/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>Class actions in Thailand are not heard by a single judge. Pursuant to Section 222\/3 of the Civil Procedure Code, they fall within the jurisdiction of the Courts of First Instance. Given the complexity, significance, and wide-ranging impact of class actions on numerous affected persons, such cases are not considered suitable for adjudication by a single judge. Accordingly, they are typically assigned to a panel of judges, with at least two judges sitting to hear and determine the case, in line with the requirements for general civil courts under the Thai judicial system. If the class action falls within the jurisdiction of a specialised court, it shall be subject to the panel requirements and qualifications of judges prescribed by such specific laws.<\/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 follows a civil law system, and all cases, including class actions, are decided solely by judge forum under Thai law. Judges are responsible for assessing the facts, evaluating evidence, hearing witnesses\u2019 testimony before the court, and rendering the judgment. There is no role for juries in any civil proceedings 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\">Is there any prescribed procedural 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>There is a prescribed mechanism for the collective settlement of class actions. Pursuant to Section 222\/32 of the Civil Procedure Code, any settlement must be approved by the court, which will assess whether it is fair and beneficial to the class members. Only upon such approval will the settlement be binding on the class. Prior to issuing the notification relating to the settlement, the court may examine the agreement or the settlement agreement relating to the subject matter of the case as submitted by the parties.<\/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>Settlements in class actions are subject to judicial oversight, Section 222\/32 of the Civil Procedure Code requires the court to review and approve any settlement, having regard to factors that include: (1) the necessity of continuing the class action; (2) the protection or benefit of the class members; (3) the complexity or convenience of continuing the class action; (4) the fairness and efficiency of continuing the class action; (5) the number of objecting class members; (6) the defendant\u2019s ability to pay damages in the event of a settlement or compromise; and (7) any settlement or compromise reached between the parties in relation to the subject matter of the dispute is fair and in the best interests of the class members.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, Thai courts scrutinize settlement structures with increasing rigor, particularly where the allocation between class compensation and counsel fees appears disproportionate or where residual unclaimed funds are directed to purposes other than class member benefit.<\/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 prescribed procedural obligation to undertake alternative dispute resolution (outside of the court system) and, if so, a specified format?<\/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 no mandatory obligation to undertake alternative dispute resolution outside the court system; however, the parties may agree to refer the dispute to arbitration or settlement, subject to prior court approval.<\/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 litigation funding models are available for a class action or collective redress.<\/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 no dedicated litigation funding regime for class actions in Thailand. The plaintiff, as a class representative, is responsible for the court fees, as expressly provided under Sections 222\/10 and 222\/14 of the Civil Procedure Code. In practice, funding is typically arranged through private means, while the payment and allocation of court fees and litigation costs remain subject to the statutory framework and the court\u2019s discretion under Section 222\/14.<\/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 restrictions on third-party funding of a class action or collective redress.<\/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 no express statutory framework governing third-party litigation funding (TPLF). There are precedents ruling that TPLF arrangements in Thailand are regarded as contrary to public order and good morals, in which case such agreements would be void and unenforceable. However, if the funder has a legitimate interest in the dispute (i.e. as a stakeholder), it is not considered contrary to public order and good morals.<\/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>Over the past three years, class action litigation in Thailand has primarily focused on investment-related disputes, consumer claims, and cases involving defective products or other widespread consumer harm. At the same time, environmental and ESG-related matters are emerging as a growing area of risk, reflecting increasing regulatory scrutiny and rising public awareness.<\/p>\n<p>The Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) (PDPA) has been in full force since 1 June 2022. The unlawful collection, use, or disclosure of personal data may give rise both to a wrongful act (tort) and to a breach of the data subject\u2019s statutory rights. PDPA-based claims should therefore fall within the residual \u201cother legal rights\u201d category under Section 222\/8 of the Civil Procedure Code, and, where a large number of data subjects are affected in a similar manner, such claims are in principle capable of being pursued as a class action. This is an area to watch, as the interaction between the PDPA and the class action regime has yet to be tested in a reported decision.<\/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, Class action litigation in Thailand has gained wider recognition, with plaintiffs increasingly using collective proceedings to address large-scale harm and achieve greater impact. The courts, for their part, have adopted more proactive case management approaches to expedite proceedings, including the use of case officers and early-stage mediation on the first hearing date.<\/p>\n<p>Awareness of the class action mechanism continues to grow. At the same time, the use of social media and communication applications has made it easier to share information about cases and stay connected, thereby enabling more effective organisation and coordination among potential claimants.<\/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>As several class actions are currently pending before the courts, it is expected that, over the next 12 months, new precedents will emerge clarifying key aspects of class action procedures, including certification, settlement, and judgement, as well as methods for payment and calculation of damage. These developments are likely to enhance the efficiency and predictability of class actions in Thailand, thereby encouraging more injured parties to pursue claims through this mechanism. In addition, it also encourages business operators or private entities that may be subject to litigation to be more mindful of their conduct and the responsibilities they may owe to each individual.<\/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, a number of class actions have been brought in relation to environmental impacts. Some of them have been certified by the courts and are currently under consideration; however, many remain pending and have yet to result in final judgments. These claims are typically framed as tort-based actions, where plaintiffs seek compensation for environmental damage and related harm affecting a large group of individuals. Based on publicly available information, in cases that have reached final judgment, there are instances in which the court has ordered the polluters jointly to pay compensation and to undertake environmental restoration.<\/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>There are currently no specific legislative proposals for reform of class actions in Thailand. However, in practice, there have been discussions on potential improvements, including clearer rules on cost allocation for representative plaintiffs, as the plaintiffs who act as the class representative bear the cost in the class action, and the possible development of a more structured mechanism for identifying and organising affected persons.<\/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\">4621<\/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\/142850","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=142850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}