Section 222/14 — Depositing class action expenses
Statutory text (Thai original)
เมื่อคำสั่งอนุญาตให้ดำเนินคดีแบบกลุ่มถึงที่สุดแล้ว ให้ศาลสั่งให้โจทก์นำเงินค่าใช้จ่ายในการดำเนินคดีแบบกลุ่มมาวางต่อศาลตามจำนวนที่เห็นสมควรภายในเจ็ดวันนับแต่วันที่ศาลมีคำสั่ง ในกรณีที่โจทก์เพิกเฉยไม่ดำเนินการตามคำสั่งดังกล่าวและไม่แจ้งให้ศาลทราบเหตุแห่งการเพิกเฉยเช่นว่านั้น ให้ศาลมีคำสั่งยกเลิกการดำเนินคดีแบบกลุ่มและให้ดำเนินกระบวนพิจารณาต่อไปอย่างคดีสามัญ
หากต่อมาปรากฏว่าค่าใช้จ่ายที่วางไว้มีจำนวนไม่เพียงพอ ศาลจะสั่งให้มีการวางเงินค่าใช้จ่ายดังกล่าวเพิ่มเติมตามจำนวนที่เห็นสมควรก็ได้ ในกรณีที่โจทก์เพิกเฉยไม่ดำเนินการตามคำสั่งดังกล่าวและไม่แจ้งให้ศาลทราบเหตุแห่งการเพิกเฉยเช่นว่านั้น ให้ถือว่าโจทก์ทิ้งฟ้อง
English translation
When the order permitting a class action has become final, the court shall order the plaintiff to deposit with the court the expenses for conducting the class action, in the amount it deems appropriate, within seven days from the date the court issues the order. In the case where the plaintiff neglects to comply with such order and does not notify the court of the reason for such neglect, the court shall issue an order canceling the class action and shall proceed further as an ordinary case.
If it later appears that the expenses deposited are insufficient, the court may order an additional deposit of such expenses in the amount it deems appropriate. In the case where the plaintiff neglects to comply with such order and does not notify the court of the reason for such neglect, the plaintiff shall be deemed to have abandoned the complaint.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This provision funds the machinery of the class action once it is certified. The expenses it targets are the administrative costs unique to group litigation, most notably the notice and newspaper publication required by Section 222/15. The section imposes two graduated consequences for non compliance. Failing to make the initial deposit results only in decertification, so the underlying dispute survives as an ordinary case. Failing to meet a later top up order, however, is treated as abandonment of the complaint, a far harsher outcome that can end the litigation. In both cases the sanction bites only where the plaintiff neglects the order and offers no reason.
Why this matters in practice
A class plaintiff must be ready to put real money into court on short notice, seven days from a final certification order, so budgeting for these costs before filing is essential. Note the sharp difference between the two failures: missing the first deposit merely downgrades the case to an ordinary lawsuit, but ignoring a later top up is deemed abandonment and can lose the case outright. If you cannot meet a deadline, always file a written explanation with the court rather than staying silent, because the sanction only applies to unexplained neglect. Our team can help estimate these costs alongside our published legal fees.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a class plaintiff have to deposit case expenses in Thailand?
Under Section 222/14 the plaintiff must deposit the amount the court sets within seven days of the final certification order. Neglecting to do so without explanation leads to cancellation of the class action.
What is the difference between failing to make the first deposit and failing a top up?
Missing the initial deposit only causes the class action to be cancelled and continued as an ordinary case. Ignoring a later order for additional expenses is deemed abandonment of the complaint, which can end the case.