Personal Injury & Road Accident Claims in Thailand
Independent English-language advice for foreigners injured in Thailand: the compulsory insurance, compensation from the person responsible, and the steps to take while you recover, in Thailand or abroad.
Start with the evidence and the time limits
After an accident in Thailand, several routes can run at the same time: a police report and any criminal case, a claim on the compulsory motor insurance, a claim against the responsible party or their insurer, and, where relevant, your own travel or health insurance. They follow different rules and deadlines, and what you sign or accept early can limit your later options. Walailak Law Firm reviews the police and medical documents, explains which routes are open to you and how realistic each one is, and acts for you in negotiations or in court if you choose to go ahead. We tell you honestly when the likely recovery does not justify the cost of a claim.
When clients contact us
- A motorbike, car or pedestrian accident, with a police report in Thai
- A settlement offer from an insurer that you are unsure about accepting
- An accident at work, at a hotel or on a construction site
- Injuries that are still developing, with treatment continuing
- A family member abroad who is dealing with the case remotely
What we look at
We start from the documents and work out which claims are realistic.
Police report and evidence
The police record, findings on fault, medical reports, photographs, CCTV and witness details, and what is still missing.
Compulsory insurance
Claims on the compulsory motor insurance, which can pay medical costs and fixed amounts regardless of fault, and how they interact with other claims.
Claim against the responsible party
Compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and long-term effects, and whether the other party's insurer is also liable.
Valuing the claim
A realistic view of what can be claimed, which documents prove each item and how courts tend to treat it.
Time limits
Claims for wrongful acts have strict limitation periods, often one year from learning of the damage and who is liable, and criminal time limits can differ.
Settlements and releases
What to check before you sign a settlement or release, so you do not give up a larger claim by accident.
Not every case justifies a claim
Court claims take time, and the amounts recovered in Thailand are often lower than claimants expect, particularly where the responsible party has only compulsory insurance and few assets. We assess this early and tell you plainly whether to negotiate, claim or stop.
What we look at first
- Whether the other party or an employer has insurance or assets that can be reached
- Whether the compulsory insurance and your own insurance already cover part of the loss
- The medical outlook, so an early settlement does not undervalue a lasting injury
- Whether a negotiated settlement is likely to be faster than going to court
- What can be done remotely if you must return home
Choose the stages you need
- Case assessment: Review of the documents and a written view on the routes and realistic outcomes.
- Insurance and police liaison: Support with the compulsory insurance claim and with communication with the investigating officer.
- Demand and negotiation: A formal claim to the responsible party and their insurer, and settlement talks.
- Court proceedings: Claims filed and run in the Thai courts if negotiation does not succeed.
- Remote handling: Updates in English by email, video call or WhatsApp, with a power of attorney if you have left Thailand.
Each stage has its own scope, agreed with you in writing. You can stop after any stage.