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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jintamas Saksornchai and Anton L. Delgado

Thai court holds gold mine operator liable for toxic runoff in a decade-old environmental case

Thailand Mining Case - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A Thai court on Tuesday ruled that the operator of a major gold mine in northern Thailand is responsible for environmental damage and health impacts on nearby villagers, in a long-awaited verdict that could set a precedent for climate litigation in the country.

The case stems from a 2016 class action lawsuit filed by hundreds of villagers in Phichit province, who accused the Australian-owned Chatree Gold Mine of causing toxic contamination through its operations. The Bangkok Civil Court found the company liable and ordered compensation for affected residents.

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