Section 199 sex — Default on a counterclaim
Statutory text (Thai original)
ในกรณีที่โจทก์มิได้ให้การแก้ฟ้องแย้งของจำเลยภายในระยะเวลาที่กำหนดไว้ ให้นำบทบัญญัติในส่วนที่ ๑ นี้มาใช้บังคับเพียงเท่าที่เกี่ยวกับฟ้องแย้งเช่นว่านั้นโดยอนุโลม
English translation
Where the plaintiff has not filed an answer to the defendant's counterclaim within the prescribed period, the provisions of this Part 1 shall apply mutatis mutandis only insofar as they concern such counterclaim.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 199 sex closes Part 1 by extending the default of answer regime to the mirror situation: a plaintiff who fails to answer the defendant's counterclaim. Because a counterclaim makes the plaintiff a defendant to that claim, it is logical that the rules on default of answer, Sections 197 to 199 quinque, should apply to the plaintiff. The section does so by way of mutatis mutandis application, but expressly limits it to matters concerning the counterclaim, so the plaintiff's own claim is unaffected. In practice this means a plaintiff can be in default, face a default judgment, and use the new trial remedy, all confined to the counterclaim.
Why this matters in practice
If you are the plaintiff and the defendant files a counterclaim, do not overlook it: you must file an answer to that counterclaim within the deadline, or you risk a default judgment on the counterclaim just as a defendant would. Calendar the counterclaim answer date separately from your own claim. Your original claim continues, but a default on the counterclaim can leave you liable on it while still pursuing your own. When facing a counterclaim, get proper representation to manage both tracks.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the plaintiff does not answer a counterclaim?
Under Section 199 sex, the default of answer rules in Part 1 apply mutatis mutandis to the plaintiff, but only as regards the counterclaim, so the plaintiff can be in default on it.
Does a default on the counterclaim affect the plaintiff's own claim?
No. Section 199 sex limits the mutatis mutandis application to matters concerning the counterclaim, so the plaintiff's original claim continues on its own.