BANGKOK, Thailand – The Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) approved action on 63 complaints at its August 24 meeting at Government House, including 28 cases involving online purchases. The board authorized civil proceedings in 50 cases, closed 12, and agreed to review one previous decision, while 27 of the online cases will proceed to civil action.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and the minister overseeing the OCPB, chaired the meeting. From May through July, the OCPB received more than 11,434 complaints, with more than half resolved through negotiation and mediation. A total of 24.29 million baht in compensation and other remedies was secured for 177 consumers, while 52 cases were referred for legal proceedings.
Recent enforcement operations also led to the seizure of more than 31,200 squishy toys valued at over 1.59 million baht, as well as about 15,000 e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and related items in Bangkok’s Khlong Thom area. The board also reviewed claims exceeding 533 million baht involving a European car brand and its dealers on behalf of 313 consumers, as well as six complaints related to a brewery fire in Lat Phrao.
Supamas instructed the OCPB to expand preventive enforcement and use its OCPB Watchdog system and AI Scan technology to monitor online products and advertising in real time. Other measures cover rental agreements, the right to repair, and consumer safeguards for solar power and solar panel businesses. Complaints can be filed through the OCPB hotline at 1166, the OCPB Connect application, its website, or Damrongdhama centers nationwide. (NNT)
