BANGKOK — The Bangkok South Civil Court issued an order on March 4, 2025, permitting a class action lawsuit filed by a group of farmers over black chin tilapia against Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF). In response, CPF released a statement emphasizing that this order merely authorizes the case to proceed as a class action and does not imply guilt.
The farmers alleged that the company’s business operations adversely affected the ecosystem and their livelihoods. The court noted that the case involves many plaintiffs who share similar or nearly identical legal and factual issues. Allowing a class action format will help reduce the burden on both the court and individual plaintiffs who might lack the resources to pursue the case on their own. Thus, the court permitted the lawsuit to move forward as a class action.
CPF stated, “It is important to emphasize that this order does not mean CPF is deemed at fault based on the allegations. Instead, it simply paves the way for a more efficient judicial process. The determination of the company’s guilt or liability will be made after thorough examination of the evidence in court.”
It is confirmed that CPF will appeal the decision as needed, contesting the case with scientific evidence and empirical data in accordance with due legal process.
Acting Sub Lt. Somchai Amin, Chairman of the Environmental Cases and Operations Subcommittee of the Lawyers Council, stated that the conditions for this class action lawsuit limit the areas eligible for damage claims. Affected parties must be from Mueang District, Bang Khonthi District, and Praek Nam Daeng District in Samut Songkhram Province only. Moving forward, they must wait for the parties to submit an appeal request within 7 days before scheduling another meeting with all parties involved.
Mr. Panya Tokthong, a representative of the affected parties, expressed great relief after the court’s decision to accept this case as a class action lawsuit. He mentioned that they have been impacted by this issue for a long time, and the villagers strongly hope that justice will be served in the future. They also hope that those involved will not allow this matter to quietly disappear.
________
