Siam Legal International has released comprehensive guidance on personal injury claim procedures in Thailand, addressing growing inquiries from expatriates and foreign visitors unfamiliar with Thai civil law requirements and compensation frameworks.
The Bangkok-based law firm's advisory clarifies what qualifies as a personal injury claim under Thai law, outlines filing procedures, and explains compensation structures available through the Thai legal system. The guidance comes as Thailand continues to attract significant numbers of international residents and tourists who may face legal challenges following accidents or injuries.
Personal injury claims in Thailand fall under Section 420 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, which establishes liability when a person unlawfully causes harm through negligence or intentional acts. These claims extend beyond physical injuries to include psychological harm, property damage, economic loss, and reputational damage. Common incidents that may warrant claims include road accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe working conditions, and physical assault, though Thai law covers numerous injury scenarios.
"Foreign nationals injured in Thailand often face significant challenges navigating our legal system, particularly regarding evidence requirements and filing deadlines," said Rex Baay, Managing Partner at Siam Legal International. "Understanding that claims must typically be filed within one year from the incident date is crucial, as missing this deadline can eliminate the right to compensation entirely."
The firm's guidance outlines four essential elements required for successful claims: proof of a wrongful act, whether negligent or intentional; demonstration that the act was unlawful under Thai law; evidence that the act directly caused injury or damage; and proven losses that justify compensation.
Thai courts generally award compensation based on actual losses rather than punitive damages, categorizing awards into economic and non-economic damages. Compensation amounts depend on injury severity, presented evidence, and case circumstances, with assessments made individually for each claim.
The documentation required for filing includes a formal complaint describing the wrongful act, medical records and treatment bills, evidence of financial loss, and witness statements. In cases where injuries become apparent later, such as certain medical malpractice situations, filing periods may be adjusted accordingly.
Settlement through negotiation or court-led mediation remains common in Thai personal injury cases, as lawsuits can be time-consuming and costly. When parties reach an agreement, settlements may be formalized through consent judgments, making them legally binding. Cases that fail mediation proceed to trial, where both sides present evidence and witnesses, with appeal options available for unsatisfactory judgments.
For foreign claimants, working with legal representation fluent in both Thai and the client's language proves essential. Strong knowledge of Thai civil law, court procedures, statutory deadlines, and documentation requirements significantly affects case outcomes.
Siam Legal International operates from its Bangkok headquarters with supporting branch offices in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket. The firm provides comprehensive legal services, including corporate law, property transactions, litigation, immigration, and family law matters. Recent operational enhancements include upgraded workflows for streamlined case management and expanded multilingual support capabilities serving international clients throughout legal proceedings.
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Additional information about the firm's expansion and services can be found at https://pressadvantage.com/i_story/86283-siam-legal-international-expands-thailand-law-firm-operations-in-bangkok-for-2026-growth.
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For more information about Siam Legal International, contact the company here:
Siam Legal International
Rex Baay
+662 254 8900
info@siam-legal.com
18th Floor, Unit 1806 Two Pacific Place,
142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
