Civil Case

What is "Civil"?

A civil case involves individual rights, damages from wrongful acts (torts), or disputes over contracts, property, or debts. It does not involve criminal offenses and carries no penalties such as imprisonment. The focus is on compensation or enforcement of legal rights.

Examples of Civil Cases

Examples of Civil Cases

• Debt claims / Compensation claims
• Breach of contract (e.g. sale or lease of property)
• Torts, e.g. hit-and-run accidents
• Inheritance division

Legal Process

Legal Process

1. Prepare a complaint and supporting documents

2. File the case with the court (court fee required)

3. Court issues a summons to the defendant

4. Defendant submits a defense

5. Mediation by the court

6. Witness examination

7. Court judgment / Appeal / Supreme Court review

Key Information

• Court fee = 2% of the claim amount
• No prison sentence, but assets may be seized or wages garnished
• Police involvement is not required for filing
• Judgment enforcement is possible if you win

Types of Legal Cases in Thailand for Foreigners Involved in Legal Matters

Civil Case

Definition: A case involving disputes over contracts, debts, property, or damages not related to criminal offenses.

Examples:

• A foreigner rents a condo, and the landlord breaches the contract
• A foreigner lends money but is not repaid
• Real estate purchase disputes

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Legal Process:

1. File the case in the Thai civil court with jurisdiction over the incident or the defendants residence

2. All documents must be in Thai (translation and certification by a court-approved translator required)

3. Foreigners have the same right to sue or be sued as Thai nationals

4. Power of attorney can be given to a lawyer to act entirely on the foreigners behalf

5. Passport and visa may need to be presented in court

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Additional Information:

• Foreign documents must be legalized by the Thai embassy in the country of origin or follow Thai certification rules
• An interpreter may be appointed by the court if the foreigner does not understand Thai
• Losing the case may affect your financial standing in visa or work permit applications