South Bangkok court allows class action against CPF by farmers
A group of farmers has taken a major step in their legal battle against agribusiness giant Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) after the South Bangkok Civil Court approved their class action lawsuit.
The case, filed over claims of environmental damage and harm to livelihoods, was given the green light at 9am yesterday, March 4.
The lawsuit alleges that CPF’s industrial operations have negatively impacted local ecosystems, disrupting farmers’ way of life. However, the court’s ruling does not determine the company’s guilt. It simply allows the case to proceed as a class action, consolidating multiple claims into a single legal process.
The court found that the legal and factual issues in the case were shared among a large group of affected people, making a class action the most practical way forward. The decision is expected to ease the burden on the plaintiffs, many of whom lack the resources to pursue individual lawsuits, while also streamlining the judicial process.
A CPF representative strongly denied the accusations, maintaining that the company adheres to strict environmental and industry standards.
“Our operations prioritise environmental sustainability, and we are confident that our activities are not the cause of the alleged issues.”
CPF confirmed its intent to appeal, vowing to defend itself with scientific evidence and empirical data throughout the legal process.
While the lawsuit has been allowed to proceed, CPF’s liability remains undecided. The next stage of the case will involve a thorough examination of evidence, where both parties will present their arguments before the court determines the company’s responsibility, reported KhaoSod.
For the farmers, the ruling is a crucial step in their fight against one of Thailand’s largest corporations. The case highlights growing tensions between corporate interests and local communities, as environmental concerns continue to fuel legal battles across the country.
As proceedings continue, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for future environmental disputes in Thailand’s agricultural sector.
Latest Thailand News
