A civil court has ruled in favour of villagers in Phichit and Phetchabun provinces, ordering Akara Resources Plc to pay compensation to 382 people affected by contamination linked to its gold mining operations. The judgement, delivered on 24 March 2026 at the Civil Court’s Environmental Division, mandates payments for health impacts, mental distress and loss of livelihood, as well as environmental rehabilitation.
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The case, filed in 2016 as a class action by Ms Suekanya Theerachatdamrong and three others representing local residents, alleged that the company’s Chatree gold mine caused the spread of toxic heavy metals. Villagers claimed exposure to substances including cyanide, arsenic, manganese and iron through air, water, and agricultural resources over a period of more than 20 years.
The court found sufficient evidence that heavy metals had leaked from Tailings Pond No.1 and spread via natural waterways, contaminating local canals and entering the bodies of nearby residents. It also accepted that dust from mining explosions contributed to health risks and environmental damage in surrounding communities.
Compensation was structured based on age and contamination levels. Individuals aged under 15 are to receive 200,000 baht if contamination exceeds safety thresholds, while those over 15 receive 100,000 baht. Lower amounts apply where contamination does not exceed limits, alongside additional payments for mental distress, medical costs and loss of access to clean water and natural resources.
Picture courtesy of Naewna
The court also ordered the company to fully restore affected public waterways, soil, and reservoirs, and to safely close and cover the contaminated tailings site under official supervision. Other claims were dismissed.
Villagers expressed relief at the ruling, stating that while compensation may not fully reflect the long-term impact, it acknowledges their suffering and could improve local living conditions. Around 50 residents attended the hearing to hear the verdict.
Naewna reported that legal representatives noted that individuals not included in the original 382 claimants may still seek compensation by submitting medical evidence through the Legal Execution Department. A screening committee will assess additional claims for eligibility.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 25 Mar 2026