After both parties have made their first filings in civil court case in Thailand, the court sets a date for a pretrial conference. However, the Thai Civil and Procedure Code allows the presiding court to order a settlement conference at any time during the case. As a matter of practice (and perhaps Thai culture) a settlement conference is almost always ordered prior to the pretrial conference. This is the case, even if the parties make it very clear that they have already done all they could to settle and failed or that they are unwilling to settle. This practice often results in what many foreign parties consider an unfortunate expenditure of resources and an unnecessary delay in the proceedings.
Assuming the settlement conference does not succeed in terminating the case, the parties then proceed to a pretrial conference during which they specify to the court which issues they believe need to be resolved—thus, this pretrial conference is often referred to as the “settlement of issues”. The court then sets the date or dates for the taking of evidence on these issues—in other words, the trial date.
Unfortunately, a Thai civil court trial usually consists of several evidence and/or witness hearings. Each party presents its evidence consecutively; however, the hearing of the parties’ evidence may often be separated by several days, weeks, or even months depending on the case and the court’s schedule.
It is important to note (particularly for those most familiar with court case proceedings under a common-law tradition) trials in Thailand, unlike most civil law countries, are a matter of the evidence being presented to the judge and not the parties “making a case” — particularly with regard to points of law. In fact, during the actual trial, the lawyers may have very little to say. Depending on the judge, the parties’ lawyers may be limited to questioning various witnesses and speaking to the court with regard to procedural matters. Quite often it is the judge or judges who conduct the questioning of the witnesses.
After the hearing of evidence is concluded the parties may, if permitted by the court, submit closing statements. The court then also fixes a date to pronounce its judgment. This day can vary depending on the procedural law under which the case is brought and how busy particular court is but it’s usually within 30 to 90 days after the conclusion of the trial.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specializing in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in 45 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com
Interesting. In California the courts can require the parties to make some effort at settlement but typically it is right before trial once the parties know the strengths and weaknesses of their cases. Seems odd to force the parties to talk settlement too early in the case…
In Thailand there is no “discovery” to speak of. Except for what documents the parties have voluntarily produced before trial, there is no evidence. So it would not matter when the settlement talk was. And you might find it interesting that in Thailand although both parties are required to submit their evidence seven days before trial, if a party shows up with its evidence at the Trial, the judge will almost always allow it in.