CPF suit against Biothai a test case for transparency

Claims regarding the spread of spread of blackchin tilapia push boundaries of public debate.

- POST REPORTERS

As Thailand faces mounting environmental challenges, a legal battle between agribusiness giant Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF) and civil society organisation Biothai has become a test case for transparency, accountability and the boundaries of public debate.

The case revolves around claims by Biothai during a public seminar on July 26, 2024, concerning the spread of blackchin tilapia in Thailand’s waterways. Using images and various sources of information, the group linked CPF's aquaculture operations at its Yi San Aquatic Research Center in Samut Songkhram province to the release of the invasive fish into public resources.

CPF rejected the allegations, describing them as misleading and incorrect. On that basis, the company launched legal action against Biothai’s secretary-general, Witoon Lianchamroon. The court has set its first hearing on Oct 22, 2025.