By Barrister Garn T., practicing since 2010 · Last reviewed: 7 October 2026
Civil disputes in Thailand are governed by the Civil and Commercial Code and the Civil Procedure Code, and they are heard in Thai, with Thai-language documents and Thai rules of evidence. Siam Center Law Group represents foreigners, expats and companies in Thai civil courts. We explain each step in English and handle the Thai-language court work.
In short: We advise on, negotiate and litigate civil disputes in Thailand. That covers contract and commercial claims, debt recovery, property and land, inheritance and wills, and personal injury. We act for plaintiffs and defendants, from the demand letter through trial, appeal and enforcement.
Civil Matters We Handle
Contract and Commercial Disputes
Breach of contract, unpaid invoices, failed joint ventures, lease and service disputes. We review your contract and correspondence, assess evidence and limitation periods, and advise whether to negotiate, mediate or sue. Related: Contract drafting vs templates.
Debt Recovery and Guarantees
Claims against debtors and guarantors, including whether suing is worthwhile when the debtor has few assets. Related: Guarantor rights, Suing a debtor without assets, Wrong bank transfer, Posting a debtor on Facebook — defamation risk.
Property and Land Disputes
Mortgage enforcement, nominee arrangements, property held in another person’s name, and revoking transactions. Related: Thai nominee land ownership risks, Reclaiming property in another person’s name, Mortgage enforcement.
Inheritance and Will Disputes
Estate administration, challenging a will, heirs’ claims and limitation issues for foreign beneficiaries. Related: Challenging a will in Thailand, Inheritance law in Thailand.
Personal Injury, Accidents and Medical Negligence
Compensation claims after road accidents and hospital negligence, which often run alongside a criminal case. Related: Hospital negligence involving a child, Ambulance crash liability.
Defending a Civil Lawsuit
Served with a lawsuit? Deadlines to file an answer are short. We prepare the defence and any counterclaim. Related: Being sued in a civil case — can you go to jail?, Counterclaims.
How a Civil Case Works in Thai Courts
- Pre-filing: we collect evidence, check limitation periods and usually send a formal demand letter.
- Filing and service: the plaint is filed in the competent court and served on the defendant, who files an answer.
- Mediation: Thai courts actively encourage settlement, and many cases settle at this stage.
- Witness and document hearings: evidence lists, document disclosure and witness examination. Related: Document disclosure (Section 90), Amending pleadings.
- Judgment and appeal: appeals have strict time limits, and some cases need leave to appeal. Related: Petition for leave to appeal.
- Enforcement: after judgment, enforcement against the debtor’s assets goes through the Legal Execution Department.
Foreigners in Thai Civil Courts
- Language: proceedings are in Thai. Foreign-language documents need certified Thai translations, and witnesses may testify through an interpreter.
- Power of attorney: a lawyer can represent you at most hearings, so you may not need to be in Thailand throughout.
- Cross-border service: serving a defendant abroad takes extra time. Related: Cross-border service of process.
- Visas during a case: a pending court case can affect your stay. Related: Court case visa extension.
- Foreign judgments: Thailand generally does not enforce foreign court judgments directly, so a new claim in Thailand may be needed and the foreign judgment used as evidence.
Why Siam Center Law Group
- English-speaking litigators with Thai court experience since 2010.
- Strategy grounded in evidence: we tell you honestly where your case is strong and where it is weak.
- Settlement-first where it serves you, and trial-ready when it does not.
- A Bangkok office, with consultations in person, by phone, LINE or WhatsApp.
Every case depends on its facts and evidence; we do not guarantee results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner sue someone in a Thai court?
Yes. Foreigners have the same right as Thai nationals to file civil claims in Thai courts. The case is conducted in Thai, so foreign documents need Thai translations, and a Thai lawyer usually represents the foreign party under a power of attorney.
Can I go to jail for losing a civil case in Thailand?
Generally no. A civil judgment orders payment or another remedy, not imprisonment. Some conduct, such as fraud or a bounced cheque, may also be a criminal offence, but that is a separate criminal case.
How long does a civil lawsuit take in Thailand?
It depends on the court, the complexity of the case and whether it settles at mediation. Many cases settle early. A fully contested trial followed by an appeal takes considerably longer.
Do I have to be in Thailand for my civil case?
Not for most hearings, because your lawyer can appear under a power of attorney. You may need to attend, or testify by approved remote means, if you are a key witness.
Is there a deadline to file a civil claim in Thailand?
Yes. Thai law sets limitation periods that vary by claim type. Tort claims, for example, have a much shorter period than many contract claims. Get advice early, because a missed deadline can bar the claim completely.
Can a foreign court judgment be enforced in Thailand?
Generally not directly. Thailand has no general treaty for enforcing foreign civil judgments, so the claimant usually files a new case in Thailand and uses the foreign judgment as evidence.
Speak With an English-Speaking Civil Litigation Lawyer
Tell us about your dispute, and we will explain your options under Thai law.
- Phone: 02 097 0477 (from abroad: +66 2 097 0477)
- WhatsApp: +66 86 565 1791
- LINE: garn77
- Online: Contact us
This page provides general information on Thai law and is not legal advice for your specific situation.