Small Claims Court in Thailand: Fees, Filing, and Limits

TL;DR

Thailand's Small Claims Procedure (วิธีพิจารณาคดีมโนสาเร่) under CPC §189-194 (and the Small-Claims Notifications) handles civil disputes up to THB 300,000 with simplified procedure. Filing is at any Court of First Instance. Forms are simpler, hearings are streamlined, and the court takes a more active role in fact-finding. Costs are lower and outcomes typically faster (3-6 months vs 12+ for ordinary civil litigation).

Eligibility

• Civil claims up to THB 300,000 (current threshold).
• Common categories: unpaid debts, sale of goods, simple service contracts, security deposits, rental arrears.
• Family-law matters and labour disputes have their own procedures (Family Court, Labour Court).

Filing Process

1. Prepare claim summary (commonly handled by the court's pro-se desk).
2. Pay filing fee (ad-valorem, lower than ordinary track).
3. Court issues summons to defendant.
4. Mediation attempt commonly first.
5. Trial: simplified evidence rules.
6. Judgment + execution by court bailiff.

Fees (Indicative)

Common Mistakes

• Filing in the wrong jurisdiction — defendant's domicile or contract-place rule.
• Missing the limitation period (2-10 years depending on cause).
• Skipping mediation — court commonly orders it.
• Inflating the claim above THB 300,000 to escape small-claims — triggers ordinary track.

FAQs

1. Can foreigners file in Small Claims?

Yes — no nationality restriction. Documents in Thai required.

2. Can the defendant appeal?

Limited appeal grounds; small claims aim for finality.

Related Reading

• Self-Represent in Civil Court
• Court Procedure Hub