A Thai court has ruled that the operator of a major gold mine in northern Thailand, Akara Resources, is responsible for environmental damage and health impacts on nearby villagers. The verdict, which could set a precedent for climate litigation in the country, was filed in a 2016 class action lawsuit by hundreds of villagers accusing 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. These types of “polluter pays” cases are becoming more common across the region, mirroring a global trend of increasing climate litigation.