BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi has instructed the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to take swift legal action following complaints from consumers who received substandard knockdown houses that did not match advertised specifications or contracts. More than 50 consumers have been affected, with estimated damages exceeding 30 million baht.
According to reports submitted to the OCPB, consumers purchased prefabricated houses from a contractor in Kalasin Province after viewing online ads promoting traditional Thai-style homes. One complainant paid more than 240,000 baht toward a two-house order valued at 170,000 baht per unit. After more than two months, construction progress remained minimal, and communication with the company became difficult. Authorities later identified over 50 individuals reporting similar experiences.
The Minister stated she immediately instructed the OCPB to monitor the case closely and expedite assistance for affected consumers. The agency assigned officials responsible for contract matters to investigate the complaints and determine appropriate legal action. She explained that contracts for newly constructed homes on a consumer’s land fall under residential construction contract regulations, while knockdown houses are generally classified as standard sales agreements. Nevertheless, the OCPB can assist in complaint mediation and, when necessary, initiate legal proceedings on behalf of consumers under the Consumer Protection Act.
The minister noted that the OCPB has received 99 complaints related to knockdown and prefabricated houses since 2022, resolving 68 cases while 31 remain under review. Authorities reminded consumers to carefully examine product specifications, construction materials, payment schedules, warranties, delivery timelines, and contractor credibility before making purchasing decisions. Consumers with problems may submit complaints through the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, the OCPB website, or Damrongdharma Centers nationwide. (NNT)
