BANGKOK, Thailand – Around 70 victims have come forward to seek legal assistance from the Lawyers Council of Thailand, claiming they were exploited by a landlord in Rangsit, who allegedly coerced them into unfair rental agreements and subjected them to harassment, intimidation, and property seizure.
The victims met with Dr. Vichien Chubtaisong, the President of the Lawyers Council, to request urgent legal support. The victims revealed that the landlord, the “evil aunt” running a boarding house in Rangsit, had made them sign contracts that were unfair and even abusive, with terms they could not negotiate. The landlord allegedly also engaged in inappropriate and threatening behavior toward tenants.
Dr. Vichien assured the victims that the Lawyers Council would provide immediate legal protection and establish a working group to investigate the situation. If the allegations are proven true, the council will file criminal charges and offer support to victims who wish to take legal action as plaintiffs. Additionally, the council may coordinate with the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to gather information and complaints for further investigation.
Victim Testimonies:
One of the victims, “Nong Yu,” a student who rented the boarding house, explained that she found the property on Facebook. The pictures made it look clean and appealing, so she contacted the landlord. However, when she arrived to inquire about the contract, the landlord refused to let her see it and instead took her to view the rooms. She was pressured into signing a four-year contract written in pencil, with many terms crossed out.
The rental agreement required an upfront payment of 27,000 baht for a deposit and 10,000 baht for internet fees, along with hidden costs such as 200 baht per month for common area maintenance. If she decided to move out, she would be charged additional fees for air-conditioning cleaning, curtain washing, and other services totaling 22,000 baht. Yu felt that the contract was riddled with hidden fees and that she had no privacy as she was constantly watched in her room, making her feel unsafe and uncomfortable.
Another victim, 36-year-old “Jaekek,” a som-tam vendor, recounted that when she went to sign her rental contract, she paid 10,000 baht but still owed another 10,000 baht for the deposit. She asked to pay in installments of 3,000 to 5,000 baht per month. After staying for only 14 days, she needed to return home to her hometown. However, when she tried to move out, the landlord seized her belongings and threatened her. She was even physically attacked when trying to remove her belongings from the room, with her car being damaged in the process. Jaekek expressed that she felt this behavior was unjust and unacceptable, especially when she had agreed to pay the deposit as per the contract.
The Lawyers Council of Thailand is committed to taking swift action to ensure that these abusive practices are addressed and that the victims receive the justice they deserve. (TNA)
