The Prime Minister thanked the Ministry of Industry for negotiating with Kingsgate to withdraw its lawsuit against the Thai government, closing the 8-year Akara gold mine dispute.
On 2 December 2025 GMT+7 at the Government House, Siriphong Angkasunkiet, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul praised and thanked the Ministry of Industry for mediating with Kingsgate Consolidated Limited, the parent company of Akara Resources Public Company Limited, which operates the Akara gold mine in Thailand. Kingsgate announced the end of the dispute with the Thai government regarding the cancellation of Akara gold mining operations. With the court judgment imminent, their willingness to withdraw the lawsuit is good news for the Thai people.
Deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Lalida Pertwivatthana, reported that according to the Ministry of Industry under Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the government has ended the prolonged dispute. between Thailand and Kingsgate. This dispute, which lasted over 8 years, was resolved without an arbitration ruling, marking significant progress that reduces national risks and strengthens long-term confidence in Thailand’s investment environment.
The arbitration panel officially notified that “no ruling on the case is necessary.” This followed both parties reaching a mutual agreement under the framework of Thai law and international standards concerning environment, governance, and safety—an approach consistently promoted by the Minister of Industry since taking office. He has advanced a systematic solution to gold mining issues, balancing environmental protection with community economic interests. The Ministry of Industry was directed to conduct all procedures transparently, carefully, and with input from all stakeholders.