Bangkok: Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, instructed the Consumer Protection Board to adopt a proactive approach and enforce laws decisively in response to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Supamas chaired the 3rd meeting of the Consumer Protection Committee in 2026, emphasizing the need for a shift from reactive to proactive measures. A decision regarding major electric vehicle manufacturers is also anticipated today.
According to Thai News Agency, Supamas stated that she was assigned by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, to lead this committee. Her oversight of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) aims to establish it as a government representative and a one-stop service agency that integrates with other agencies. She highlighted the rapid emergence of complex threats leading to consumer exploitation and fraud. The OCP has been criticized for its reactive approach, with complaints taking extended periods to process. Therefore, the Prime Minister has directed a proactive policy to address these issues.
Supamas noted that e-commerce businesses face challenges such as products not matching descriptions, substandard quality, fraud, and exaggerated advertising. She stressed the necessity of strict law enforcement and legal action to prevent such practices from setting a precedent. Meetings, she mentioned, tend to be exhaustive due to numerous agenda items, necessitating more frequent gatherings to address urgent cases swiftly.
Urgent cases, such as those involving major electric vehicle manufacturers or fraudulent construction contracts, require committee approval and are prioritized. These situations involve significant financial transactions, making them critical for the Consumer Protection Board's attention.
Finally, Supamas urged government agencies to ensure consistent representation at meetings to maintain continuity, highlighting the crucial work of the Consumer Protection Board.