The Lawyers Council of Thailand is planning to file a lawsuit against private companies and state agencies which are responsible for the spread of blackchin tilapia, an invasive species from west Africa which is quickly taking over the country's waterways.

A team of lawyers from the council on Sunday set up a booth at a temple in Samut Songkhram's Amphawa district, where residents who have been affected by the invasive fish species could register to take part in the lawsuit or submit evidence showing the damage caused by the fish.

As of Sunday afternoon, 214 fish farmers had registered to take part in the lawsuit. At a second booth on Aug 2, 57 fish farmers signed on.

The council will file a civil case against those they believe caused the spread of blackchin tilapia in the country, to demand compensation. 

One farmer in Phetchaburi said the fish has wiped out the crab stocks at his farm, causing massive financial damage. Several fish farms in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Pak Phanang and Hua Sai districts also reported huge losses because of the spread of fish.