Supamas warned about a "gas station investment scam" and ordered the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to urgently assist six victims. She emphasized coordinating closely with the Economic Crime Suppression Division to monitor case progress, noting the fraudulent activities are continuing.
26 April 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is concerned about the impacts of the Middle East situation and has instructed all agencies to urgently assist and resolve problems affecting the public in all aspects. In her role overseeing the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), she became aware of complaints about operators fraudulently soliciting investments to build gas stations by falsely claiming association with reputable brands and using social media for promotion. Since the business does not actually exist, she ordered the CPB to urgently investigate and follow up.
The CPB quickly coordinated with investigators from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) and learned that on 24 April 2026, six victims filed complaints against a business operator who advertised the ability to construct fully equipped gas stations to attract landowners seeking income. However, after payments were made, victims found work stalled or constructed to substandard levels, preventing them from obtaining government permits. The losses amount to several million baht, and advertisements continue to be detected on the same platforms.
Ms. Supamas added that this case reflects an evolving fraud pattern exploiting brand credibility and social media to gain public trust, causing financial and investment confidence damage. She instructed the CPB to intensify coordination with related agencies to strictly protect consumers and prevent recurrence.
“The CPB Secretary-General has received these instructions and is coordinating closely with the ECD to support information sharing and monitor case progress, while investigating potentially deceptive advertising. The CPB will also regulate online advertisements and, if violations are found, will enforce legal actions to halt or prosecute offenders decisively. Meanwhile, the public is advised to verify business credibility and be cautious of investments falsely promising brand affiliations or unrealistic returns. Anyone harmed can file complaints or seek advice via the CPB hotline 1166 or its online platforms, available 24 hours.”