“Natcha” described the administrative court ruling on "Black-Chinned Tilapia" as a victory for local residents and urged the government to swiftly declare disaster zones in 19 provinces, with attention on a civil case scheduled for 14 September.
On 9 Sep 2026 at the Parliament, Mr. Natcha Boonyachainsawat, together with People's Party MPs from areas affected by the spread of Black-Chinned Tilapia, held a press conference following the Central Administrative Court's ruling dated 8 Sep 2026. The court ordered relevant agencies to suspend, curb, prevent, and resolve the spread of Black-Chinned Tilapia as designated by the Department of Fisheries in 19 provinces.
Additionally, the Central Administrative Court ordered an urgent declaration of a disaster zone in Samut Songkhram province after over 1,400 residents joined together to sue 16 government agencies, demanding problem resolution and compensation for those affected.
Mr. Natcha stated that the ruling marks an important starting point for addressing the issue, but the work is not finished. The People's Party assigned Boonlert Saengphan, MP for Samut Prakan, to closely monitor the situation, gather impact data from various areas, assist people in 19 provinces, and follow up on the issue's consideration in the House of Representatives.
“This is a small victory for the local people, a starting point, but it is not the end. We will continue moving forward.” Mr. Natcha said.
Mr. Boonlert said the Black-Chinned Tilapia problem has troubled residents in Samut Prakan province for many years. He has submitted letters to the Prime Minister multiple times and spoke with the Prime Minister on 2 September, urging the Department of Fisheries to reconsider the disaster zone declaration criteria. The current sampling may not cover all truly affected areas. He called on MPs from all parties to push for disaster zone declarations in affected provinces so residents can receive compensation, emphasizing that this is a public hardship that all parties should address together.
“Today, the people are suffering. Please stand up and demand your rights, leading the way so that our brothers and sisters who suffer will have disaster zones declared and receive compensation. At least they will feel supported by the government.” Boonlert added.
He called on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior to expedite the disaster zone declarations, noting that the executive branch has authority over provincial governors and should not let people wait any longer for assistance.
Mr. Anupap Likhitamnuaichai, MP for Samut Songkhram, said the administrative court ruling is a key milestone after local people struggled with the Black-Chinned Tilapia problem for a long time. The court’s order has two main points: directing the Department of Fisheries to complete its mitigation measures within 180 days, and instructing the Minister of Interior to order the governor of Samut Songkhram to declare a disaster zone so farmers can receive compensation.
Mr. Anupap said the same standards should apply to other affected provinces without requiring residents to sue first. Meanwhile, the eradication measures must be appropriate to each area's context, especially in places using waste residue, which could affect the natural ecosystem.
Ms. Narumas Piambandit, MP for Chonburi District 6 and spokesperson for the House Committee on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said that although disaster zone declaration criteria have been in place for over two years, no province has declared a disaster zone for Black-Chinned Tilapia until the administrative court’s order for Samut Songkhram. The Department of Disaster Prevention, Department of Fisheries, and Comptroller General’s Department have criteria ready and allow governors to use funds outside the standard criteria for province-specific needs. However, many provinces hesitate to declare zones out of concern they won't meet criteria. For Chonburi, affected areas are mostly canals and open sea, not farming zones, but the fish consume natural aquatic resources, impacting local fishermen's income.
“The damage is real for local fishermen who have lost income because the Black-Chinned Tilapia consume natural resources.” Ms. Narumas stated.
She also questioned the Prime Minister on whether the failure of agencies to declare disaster zones despite having criteria and channels for assistance constitutes neglect of duty. She called on the government to order provincial governors to declare disaster zones promptly so affected residents can receive compensation quickly.
Mr. Natcha added that the People's Party will closely monitor the implementation of the Central Administrative Court’s order. If the relevant agencies do not appeal, the order will proceed to enforcement. Beyond the provinces named in the court order, there are 19 provinces listed in Department of Fisheries documents and mentioned in the ruling, which will require continued government agency oversight.
Regarding the civil case filed by residents together with the Lawyers Council against the private company importing Black-Chinned Tilapia, the South Bangkok Civil Court will hold a hearing on 14 September to consider class-action procedures after the company objected and appealed.
Mr. Natcha said class-action litigation is important because many affected people are farmers with limited financial resources. This approach helps many victims access the court process to claim damages, with support from the Lawyers Council. Filing individual lawsuits would require more time and expense.
“Class-action lawsuits, with the Lawyers Council’s involvement as the main support for helping the people, will be a positive sign that all victims affected can enter the judicial process to claim damages.”
The People's Party stated it will continue to monitor the enforcement of the administrative court’s order, the declaration of disaster zones in affected areas, and government measures to solve the Black-Chinned Tilapia problem, with 14 September marking another important milestone with the class-action civil case hearing.