Bangkok: "Supamas" inspected the rides and water park at Siam Amazing Park, emphasizing three principles for protecting visitors: safety, reasonable prices, and the location matching the description. Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, in her capacity as supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), inspected the safety standards of water park and amusement park rides at Siam Amazing Park in Khan Na Yao District, Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, following the site visit, Ms. Suphamas stated that the reason for choosing to inspect amusement parks and water parks was due to recent cases of electrical leaks in pool villas and news of children falling from playground equipment. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also the Minister of Interior, was concerned about this issue and assigned her to conduct the inspection, focusing primarily on consumer safety. She noted that Thailand has many locations with both amusement parks and water parks, ranging in size from large to medium to small, including those in shopping malls and residential areas. Visitors expect fun and relaxation, and operators must prioritize safety. In the past two to three years, the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has received over a hundred complaints regarding safety issues, most of which have been resolved.
Ms. Suphamas stated that the main complaints received at other amusement parks fall into three categories. Firstly, safety is a key concern. This includes the proper posting of signs indicating safety regulations and warnings for every ride. Every ride must have signs providing information to visitors. For water parks, the water quality is crucial; a good water treatment system must be in place to ensure the water is clean, safe, and meets standards, with contaminant levels within safe ranges. Finally, operators must uphold ethical standards by selecting rides that are not cheap and potentially dangerous, choosing rides from reputable manufacturers that undergo regular inspections.
The second issue concerns contracts and fair pricing. Even if the ticket or sign states that they are not liable for injuries, they have no right to make such a statement; it constitutes an unfair contract. Many such cases have been found because if a customer experiences an accident or safety issue arising from the establishment, staff, or staff negligence, the establishment must still be held responsible. Another unfair practice is prohibiting outside food and drinks, yet selling them inside at significantly higher prices than outside.
Finally, there's advertising. Customers may see interesting and novel rides on a page or online, but upon arrival, find them closed for renovations, old, or not as advertised. This constitutes misleading advertising. Therefore, we must remind business operators that these three main points violate consumer protection laws. We also emphasize the importance of annual inspections and licensing regarding building safety, which is the responsibility of the relevant district authorities and the Ministry of Interior.
Furthermore, Ms. Suphamas also mentioned that today's site visit to Siam Amazing Park, considered a model for amusement parks and water parks in Thailand, revealed that all necessary licenses and safety systems were in place. The park's presence of a world-renowned artificial sea, recognized as the largest artificial sea in the world, demonstrates its ability to meet international standards and ensure safety measures.
Regarding prices and promotions, some places collaborate with tour companies to offer online deals and discounts. These may sometimes have conditions attached, such as restrictions on public holidays or additional charges. Initially, the prices here appear affordable for the public, and various promotions are available. Furthermore, there are promotions allowing those with government welfare cards and recipients of the Thai Help Thai Plus project to enter for free. This is a form of cooperation with the government to ensure consumers can enjoy themselves within their budget and return home safely.