Bangkok: Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), has spearheaded efforts for consumer rights protection by initiating 35 civil lawsuits aimed at businesses accused of violating consumer rights. This action, undertaken during the third meeting of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) for the year 2026, is targeted at expediting refunds to affected consumers in sectors including automotive, real estate, and online purchases.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting, chaired by Ms. Supamas, was attended by significant figures such as Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister, and Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, along with 18 other board members from various government agencies and expert bodies. The board examined 48 cases, with a concentrated effort on the 35 civil cases involving consumer rights breaches. These cases encompassed a range of issues from real estate disputes to online transactions, highlighting the vulnerabilities consumers face in the digital marketplace.
Among the noteworthy cases were the legal proceedings involving Scandinavian Auto Co., Ltd. and Volvo Car (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which revolved around a contract breach related to the Volvo EX30 electric car's battery safety. Another significant case involved Somdej Modern Home Limited Partnership and Mr. Jirayu Busbarat over a contract breach concerning the construction of a prefabricated house. In these instances, the CPB has moved to secure refunds with interest and compensation for the affected consumers. Furthermore, punitive damages are being pursued in the prefabricated house case.
Ms. Supamas has directed the CPB to enhance its effectiveness and reliability through the implementation of the CPB Plus 5-pronged policy, which entails strategies such as the proactive prevention of consumer harm using a Consumer Risk Dashboard, upgrading the complaint center to a One-Stop Service system, and regulating e-commerce in collaboration with various agencies. The policy also includes the use of AI technology to manage complaints and issue urgent alerts, alongside efforts to improve organizational transparency.
The emphasis is on holding businesses accountable and ensuring that consumers receive full refunds in case of losses. These initiatives align with the government's overarching strategy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Consumers are urged to meticulously review contractual agreements and maintain records of transactions to safeguard against potential exploitation. In cases of unfair treatment, they are encouraged to utilize resources such as the OCPB hotline, OCPB Connect application, and the official website to file complaints.