BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi has ordered urgent assistance for a 7-year-old girl who was seriously injured after suffering an electric shock at a pool villa in Cha-am district, Phetchaburi province. The incident occurred on May 13 when the child reportedly came into contact with electricity leaking from a poolside light fixture, prompting concerns about safety standards at accommodation establishments. Supamas, who oversees the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), directed the agency to assist the victim and her family after a formal complaint was filed. The minister also assigned her adviser, Pradermchai Boonchuayluea, to receive the complaint and instructed the OCPB to arrange mediation between the business operator and the family to secure compensation and other assistance for the child.
If mediation fails to produce an agreement, the OCPB said it may refer the case to the Consumer Protection Board for consideration of legal action on the victim’s behalf. The agency will also coordinate with local authorities and other relevant agencies in Phetchaburi to investigate whether the property’s electrical installations complied with safety requirements and whether any violations of applicable laws or regulations occurred. Minister Supamas urged operators of hotels, resorts, and pool villas nationwide to inspect electrical systems and lighting equipment around swimming pools and recreational areas to ensure they are safe for guests. She also encouraged parents and guardians to carefully assess safety conditions before allowing children to use such facilities and called on consumers to report suspected safety violations or infringements of consumer rights through OCPB channels. (NNT)
