Join Macquarie University's B&HR Access to Justice Lab for a webinar on ‘Landmark Class Action Ruling for Thai Villagers: Lessons for Business and Human Rights Litigation Involving Australian Companies’. The session will be moderated by Ebony Birchall (Deputy Director, B&HR Access to Justice Lab) and will feature Emilie Palamy Pradichit (Founder and Executive Director, Manushya Foundation), Keren Adams (Principal Legal Director, Human Rights Law Centre), and Nicki Lees (Social Justice Special Counsel, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers).

The panel brings together leading practitioners in human rights advocacy, strategic litigation and corporate accountability across the Asia-Pacific. Discussion will focus on the recent landmark ruling in Thailand’s Phichit case, advanced by Manushya Foundation, which marks the country’s first environmental class action lawsuit. Panellists will explore how a multi-level approach that combines legal support, grassroots mobilisation and international advocacy can help communities access justice for environmental and human rights harm. Panellists will also consider broader lessons for business and human rights litigation and the growing scrutiny of Australian-based companies operating overseas.

Case Summary:

In March 2026, Thailand’s Ratchada Civil Court ruled in favour of nearly 400 villagers from Phichit and Phetchabun provinces, finding that they should be compensated for damage caused by the country’s largest gold mining operation. The Chatree Gold Mine—run by Akara Resources, a subsidiary of Australia’s Kingsgate Consolidated—was found to have caused serious environmental harm and human rights violations. The Court recognised credible evidence of toxic contamination, loss of agricultural livelihoods, and long-term impacts on physical and mental health since 2001. Alongside monetary compensation, the Court ordered Akara Resources to permanently close one of the mine’s waste pits, and to rehabilitate surrounding land and waterways.

The judgment follows more than a decade of community advocacy, during which Akara Resources deployed over 40 Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) against villagers, academics and human rights defenders. While the ruling represents a historic victory, Manushya Foundation, which has defended the case as their international human rights counsel since 2019, emphasises that the struggle for justice is not yet complete. Compensation remains limited, and further legal issues are still before the courts. Akara and Kingsgate have rejected the Court’s findings and announced plans to appeal, a response viewed by Manushya Foundation as ongoing corporate denial of accountability and a challenge to the rule of law.

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