Section 222/8 — Cases eligible for class action
Statutory text (Thai original)
คดีที่มีสมาชิกกลุ่มจำนวนมากดังต่อไปนี้ โจทก์ซึ่งเป็นสมาชิกกลุ่มอาจร้องขอให้ดำเนินคดีแบบกลุ่มได้
(๑) คดีละเมิด
(๒) คดีผิดสัญญา
(๓) คดีเรียกร้องสิทธิตามกฎหมายต่าง ๆ เช่น กฎหมายเกี่ยวกับสิ่งแวดล้อม การคุ้มครองผู้บริโภคแรงงาน หลักทรัพย์และตลาดหลักทรัพย์ การแข่งขันทางการค้า
English translation
In the following cases having a large number of class members, a plaintiff who is a class member may request to proceed as a class action:
(1) tort cases;
(2) breach of contract cases;
(3) cases claiming rights under various laws, such as laws concerning the environment, consumer protection, labor, securities and the stock exchange, and trade competition.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This section, added by the B.E. 2558 (2015) amendment, defines the subject-matter gateway to a class action. Three categories qualify: tort, breach of contract, and rights claims under listed statutory areas, with the list of laws given by way of example (environment, consumer protection, labor, securities and the stock exchange, trade competition) rather than as a closed set. Two thresholds run alongside the subject matter: the case must involve a large number of class members, and the plaintiff who applies must be a class member, not an outside representative. It works together with Section 222/1, which defines the group, and Section 222/9, which sets out how the request is filed.
Why this matters in practice
Before planning a class action, check that your dispute fits one of the three categories and that you, as the person filing, are genuinely part of the harmed group, since an outsider cannot lead the class. Consumer, environmental and defective-product cases are natural fits, which makes class actions a route for large groups harmed by the same business conduct. To assess whether your situation qualifies and is worth pursuing collectively, book a consultation with a Thai lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
What types of cases can be class actions in Thailand?
Under Section 222/8, tort cases, breach of contract cases, and rights claims under laws such as environment, consumer protection, labor, securities and trade competition, where there are many class members.
Can someone outside the group start a class action?
No. Section 222/8 requires that the plaintiff who requests the class action be a class member, that is, part of the harmed group.