BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi led a joint inspection of apartments and dormitories in Wang Thonglang, Bangkok, on May 28, 2026. The operation aims to lower living costs and address illegal financial practices by operators exploiting tenants. The minister was joined by officials from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), the Wang Thonglang District Office, the Thailand Consumers Council, and the Wang Thonglang Police Station.
The inspection addressed common tenant complaints, such as landlords illegally requiring more than three months of advance rent and security deposits. Officials also investigated overcharging for water and electricity and the unfair withholding of security deposits at lease termination. In response to hidden utility fees in some apartments, the government is drafting stricter legislation to standardize rental regulations and strengthen legal protections for consumers nationwide.
The Minister has issued an urgent directive for provincial OCPB branches to inspect residential rental properties nationwide and take legal action against non-compliant operators. During the inspection, officials visited a model apartment building that charged fair rental rates, used transparent electricity metering, and did not impose hidden fees. After the inspection, Minister Supamas received a letter of appreciation from the Ramkhamhaeng University Student Organization for providing legal education on tenant rights to students and residents in nearby communities, which helps raise awareness and reduce exploitation of students from other provinces. (NNT)
