Understanding

Litigation in Thailand

Navigating Legal Disputes with Confidence and Clarity

Litigation is the formal process of resolving legal disputes through Thailand’s judicial system. Whether you’re facing a contractual breach, debt collection, criminal allegation, property conflict, or corporate dispute, litigation becomes essential when informal negotiation, mediation, or arbitration fails to bring resolution.

Thailand’s court system operates under codified procedures, including the Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and a range of specialized statutes. For many especially foreign individuals or international companies the process can be daunting due to unfamiliar legal norms, language barriers, and procedural complexities.

At KTP Legal Advisory, we serve as your trusted legal partner throughout every stage of the litigation journey. Our experienced litigation attorneys provide not only strategic legal advice and precise case management, but also strong courtroom representation tailored to your goals. Whether you are bringing a claim or defending your position, we help you navigate the system with clarity, confidence, and a focus on results.

How the Thai Court System Works

Thailand operates a civil law system with no jury trials. Judges are responsible for determining both the facts and the law. The litigation process varies depending on the nature of the case (civil, commercial, criminal, administrative, or labor), but the general structure is as follows:

Court Hierarchy in Thailand:

  1. Courts of First Instance: Trial courts where evidence is presented.
  2. Courts of Appeal: Appellate courts reviewing errors in law or procedure.
  3. Supreme Court (Dika Court): Final appeal, focusing strictly on points of law.

Specialized courts also handle certain cases, including:

  • Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court
  • Central Bankruptcy Court
  • Labor Court
  • Tax Court
  • Administrative Court

Language and Formalities:

  • All court submissions and hearings must be conducted in Thai language.
  • Foreign clients must appoint a licensed Thai attorney to act as their legal representative.
  • All foreign-language documents must be officially translated and certified for use in court.
  • The system is heavily document-driven, so well-drafted pleadings, testimonies, motions, petitions, witness statement, affidavits, and evidence are essential.

➤ Common Types of Legal Disputes that Lead to Litigation:

  • Breach of Contract: Failure to perform obligations under commercial or service agreements
  • Tort Claims: Negligence, defamation, trespass, or damage to property
  • Criminal Charges: From white-collar crime to fraud, embezzlement, or personal harm
  • Property Disputes: Land ownership, Construction delay, lease violations, boundary conflicts
  • Employment & Labor Disputes: Wrongful termination, unfair practices, severance issues
  • Corporate Litigation: Shareholder conflicts, director liability, mismanagement
  • Debt Recovery & Enforcement: Collection of unpaid obligations, enforcement of foreign or local judgments

When Should You Pursue Litigation?

Litigation should be considered when:

  • Your legal rights have been violated and no out-of-court remedy is successful
  • You are facing imminent or actual legal claims requiring defense
  • You need a court order or injunction to protect your interests
  • You require debt enforcement, eviction, or repossession
  • You want to challenge or appeal a government or court decision
  • A settlement has failed or been breached and you must escalate the matter formally

How KTP Legal Advisory Supports You in Litigation:

  • Case Evaluation and Legal Risk Analysis
  • Clear Roadmap for Litigation Strategy
  • Representation in All Court Levels and Specialized Tribunals
  • English–Thai Bilingual Legal Communication and Document Handling
  • Strong Coordination with Experts, Investigators, and Government Agencies
  • Post-Judgment Execution and Collection Support (Optional)

If you are involved in a dispute or anticipating legal action, early legal advice can make a critical difference. Let our litigation team help you move forward with strength, clarity, and confidence.

Office of the Judiciary in Thailand

Comprehensive Scope

Our Litigation Services

Strategic Representation Across All Legal Disputes

At KTP Legal Advisory, we offer full-service litigation support across a wide range of legal matters. Whether you are an individual, a business owner, or a foreign entity operating in Thailand, our legal team is equipped to protect your interests with precision and professionalism.

We represent clients at every level of Thailand’s judicial system including the Court of First Instance, Appeal Court, and Supreme Court as well as in specialized courts such as the Labor Court, Bankruptcy Court, and Intellectual Property & International Trade Court.

Areas of Litigation We Handle:

1. Civil & Commercial Litigation

  • Breach of contract, commercial and service disputes
  • Non-performance or delayed performance of obligations
  • Unjust enrichment and compensation claims
  • Business interruption or damage claims
  • Unfair competition and tort claims
  • Debt recovery and enforcement of obligations
  • Breach of partnership or shareholder agreements

2. Criminal Litigation

  • Fraud, forgery, and embezzlement
  • Defamation, assault, and trespassing
  • White-collar crime and corporate misconduct
  • Criminal defense for local and foreign individuals

3. Property & Real Estate Disputes

  • Land ownership and boundary disputes
  • Construction Delay
  • Fails of Guarantee returns agreement
  • Breach of sale and purchase agreements
  • Lease disputes and eviction proceedings
  • Condominium and housing litigation

4. Corporate & Shareholder Disputes

  • Breach of director duties and fiduciary responsibilities
  • Minority shareholder rights violations
  • Disputes between business partners
  • Actions against former executives or employees

5. Labor & Employment Disputes

  • Wrongful dismissal and severance pay claims
  • Breach of employment contracts
  • Labor court representation
  • Workplace discrimination and employee misconduct cases

6. Consumer & Product Liability Claims

  • Faulty products and unsafe services
  • Misleading advertising or business practices
  • Hotel, rental, and travel-related claims

7. Enforcement of Judgments & Execution

  • Court-ordered asset seizures
  • Execution of final judgments and arbitral awards
  • Filing for injunctions or freezing orders
  • Representation in legal execution proceedings

Whether your case requires urgent court intervention or a long-term strategy, we tailor our litigation services to fit your goals, risk exposure, and budget ensuring you are legally protected at every turn.

Litigation Process

Strategy to Judgement

Step-by-Step Litigation Process with Estimated Timeframes:

1. Initial Consultation & Legal Assessment

Timeframe: As soon as possibleWe begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand the legal issue, review your documents, and assess potential risks and remedies. After analysis, we propose a litigation strategy and provide a preliminary cost and timeline estimate.

Scope of Work:

  • Case review and legal opinion
  • Initial review of contracts, correspondence, or evidence
  • Identification of claims or defenses

2. Pre-Litigation Actions & Settlement Attempts

Timeframe: 1–4 weeks (or longer depending on negotiation)Before initiating a lawsuit, we explore out-of-court solutions when appropriate. This can include issuing a demand letter or notice, initiating negotiation, or arranging mediation with the opposing party.

Scope of Work:

  • Draft and send legal notices
  • Contact opposing counsel or parties
  • Attempt to resolve the dispute without formal litigation

3. Drafting & Filing with the Court

Timeframe: 3–4 weeks (from client approval to court filing)If litigation proceeds, we prepare and file the necessary pleadings, including a Statement of Claim or Plaint (plaintiff) or Statement of Defense or Testimony and counterclaim (defendant). Filing is done with the appropriate Court of First Instance, including specialized courts when needed.

Scope of Work:

  • Legal drafting (claims, petitions, motions, defenses)
  • Document preparation and translation (if applicable)
  • Court filing and official receipt of case number

4. Evidence Submission & Witness Preparation

Timeframe: 1–3 months (depending on case complexity and court schedule)After the initial filing, both parties exchange evidence. We work closely with you to gather supporting documents, organize exhibits, and prepare witnesses for court testimony.

Scope of Work:

  • Compilation of exhibits and relevant records
  • Translation, certification, and notarization of foreign documents
  • Witness interviews and statement drafting

5. Court Hearings & Trial Proceedings

Timeframe: 6 months – 2 years (depending on court workload and case type)Court hearings are held to examine witnesses, present evidence, and make legal arguments. Thai trials can occur over multiple dates, with intervals between sessions. We provide full representation and regular updates throughout.

Important Notice: The plaintiff or defendant must appear in court on the trial date to testify before the judge and should be prepared to remain available for at least one full day of hearings.

Scope of Work:

  • Court appearances, arguments, and cross-examinations
  • Preparation of trial bundles and witness coordination
  • Interim motions (injunctions, evidence objections, etc.)

6. Judgment & Appeal Consideration

Timeframe: 1–3 months after trial completionThe court will issue a written judgment. If the outcome is favorable, we assist in recovery and closure. If the result is adverse, we evaluate the possibility of filing an appeal within the legal timeframe (30 days for most civil cases).

Scope of Work:

  • Reviewing and translating the judgment
  • Advising on appeal prospects
  • Preparing notice of appeal and supporting arguments (if applicable)

7. Enforcement of Judgment (Optional)

Timeframe: 3–6 months (or longer depending on asset location and debtor cooperation)Once a final judgment is obtained, we assist in enforcing it through legal execution: seizure of assets, garnishment of bank accounts, or eviction orders.

Scope of Work:

  • Filing with Legal Execution Department
  • Coordinating with court officials and officers
  • Monitoring enforcement and recovery progress

We believe that an informed client is an empowered client. That’s why we ensure you’re updated on every development along with realistic expectations for time, budget, and outcomes.

The Civil court

In Thai Courts

Supporting Foreign Clients

Bilingual Representation & Cross-Border Litigation Expertise

Navigating the Thai legal system can be especially challenging for foreign individuals and international companies. Language barriers, unfamiliar legal norms, and cultural differences often lead to confusion, delays, or costly mistakes.

At KTP Legal Advisory, we specialize in representing foreign clients in litigation throughout Thailand. Whether you’re an expat, a foreign investor, or an international business engaged in a dispute, we act as your reliable bridge to the Thai legal system with professionalism, precision, and cultural awareness.

Our Services for Foreign Clients Include:

1. Bilingual Legal Support

  • All legal advice, case updates, and documentation available in both English and Thai
  • Certified translations of contracts, pleadings, judgments, and evidence
  • Clear, consistent communication from start to finish

2. Representation in All Thai Court Levels

  • Civil, criminal, labor, and commercial disputes
  • Specialized courts: Central International Trade Court, Bankruptcy Court, etc.
  • Local representation even if you are residing overseas 

3. Enforcement of Foreign Judgments and Awards

  • Legal strategies to enforce foreign court judgments or international arbitration awards in Thailand
  • Guidance on recognition procedures and applicable treaty laws

4. Cross-Border Coordination

  • Cooperation with your overseas legal counsel
  • Evidence gathering from international parties
  • Assistance with witness testimony from abroad (remote or in-person)

5. Corporate Litigation for Foreign Businesses

  • Shareholder disputes, director liability, breach of joint ventures
  • Legal action involving Thai subsidiaries or local partners
  • Court representation in cases involving foreign investment or commercial fraud
Supporting Foreign Clients in Thai Courts

With a deep understanding of both Thai and international legal environments, KTP Legal Advisory ensures that foreign clients are protected, empowered, and represented with the same confidence as local litigants.

Why Litigate with

KTP Legal Advisory

Proven Advocacy. Practical Solutions. Client-First Commitment.

Choosing the right litigation team can be the deciding factor between success and unnecessary risk. At KTP Legal Advisory, we combine deep legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and business insight to deliver strategic results for our clients whether in settlement negotiations or full-scale trials.

Here’s why clients choose us to represent them in Thai courts:

Experienced and Court-Tested Litigators

Our legal team includes seasoned trial lawyers who have handled complex civil, commercial, and criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions in Thailand. We understand not only how to argue a case but how to position it for success from the start.

Bilingual Legal Representation

We offer fluent communication in both English and Thai, ensuring that foreign clients understand their rights, obligations, and every stage of the legal process. All legal documents, pleadings, and court filings are translated and explained clearly.

Strategic, Results-Driven Approach

Every case is different. We don’t apply generic templates. We design litigation strategies based on your legal goals, risk appetite, and commercial considerations focusing on what truly matters to you.

Transparent Communication and Cost Structure

No surprises. We provide clear fee structures, keep you informed of all developments, and are committed to responsiveness. You’ll always know where your case stands and what to expect next.

Local Knowledge with Global Perspective

Our team is familiar with both Thai legal procedures and international client expectations. Whether you’re an expat, a multinational business, or a local enterprise with foreign interests, we know how to bridge the gap.

Full-Service Litigation and Beyond

From initial legal advice and court filings to post-judgment enforcement or appeal, we stay with you every step of the way. Our clients benefit from our integrated services, including corporate, real estate, tax, and arbitration support when needed.

KTP Lawyer with clients in Civil court

Trusted Litigation Services 

SUMMARY

Confident Representation in Thai Courts Starts Here

Legal disputes whether civil, commercial, or criminal can disrupt your business, reputation, or peace of mind. That’s why at KTP Legal Advisory, we don’t just represent you in court, we stand beside you with strategy, clarity, and unwavering commitment.

Whether you’re a private individual, business owner, or international company, our team provides courtroom-tested litigation services that are tailored to your specific goals. From urgent injunctions to high-stakes trials, we guide you through every phase from pre-litigation strategy to final judgment and enforcement with precision and transparency.

With deep local expertise, international understanding, and a proven track record in Thai courts, we ensure that your legal rights are protected and your voice is heard.

Why Clients Trust KTP Legal Advisory:

  • Strategic litigation tailored to your goals
  • Skilled trial lawyers with courtroom experience
  • Full bilingual support in any courtroom and representation
  • Transparent communication and no hidden fees
  • Representation at all court levels and special tribunals
appy Foreigner clients with our lawyer for litigation in Thailand