BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has ordered a comprehensive review of key consumer protection laws to address gaps in outdated regulations and improve safeguards in response to modern economic and technological changes. Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai has directed the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to expedite legal updates to better protect consumers from unfair practices, particularly in the digital economy.
Current laws, such as the Consumer Protection Act of 1979 and the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act of 2002, are considered outdated and limited in scope. In light of increasing consumer complaints and the complexity of modern commerce, the government sees the need for stronger and more responsive legal frameworks to reflect today’s business environment.
On June 4, the OCPB approved the formation of a subcommittee to lead the drafting of amendments to the Consumer Protection Act. The group has been tasked with analyzing legal shortcomings, collecting input from relevant sectors, and developing provisions that address current-day conditions. A performance review of the 1979 law was also held on June 6 to gather feedback from public forums and stakeholder engagement.
Efforts to modernize the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act are also underway. On June 18, the OCPB conducted a public hearing to collect opinions on proposed revisions to accommodate new sales models and marketing strategies driven by digital platforms.
The legislative updates are expected to improve the OCPB’s ability to respond to emerging challenges and protect consumer rights more effectively. Officials believe the reforms will lead to more transparent and efficient consumer protection mechanisms that better align with current commercial patterns and regulatory needs.
