BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi has presided over the opening ceremony of the “SPEAK UP: We Must Not Surrender” exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, turning more than 200 real consumer complaints and experiences into works of art. Organized by the Thailand Consumers Council, it is billed as the first exhibition of its kind in Thailand. The exhibition, kicking off on Aug 21, outlines four consumer issues: identity verification for online sellers, management of communication cables, local public transportation, and fair rental housing contracts. Artists Booncherd Khemngoen and Jarinee Mateekul interpreted consumer experiences through visual works, with Jarinee drawing on accounts from more than 100 people.
Supamas, who oversees the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, directed the agency to advance action on all four issues and improve access to complaint channels. Current work includes enforcing residential rental rules covering utility charges and security deposits, as well as cooperating with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency on online seller verification. The exhibition is open free of charge through August 30 on the third floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center. Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly can contact the OCPB Hotline 1166, use the OCPB Connect application, file a complaint through the OCPB website, or visit a Damrongdhama Center in any province. (NNT)
