Supamas revealed that Prime Minister Anutin is concerned about consumers suffering from failed tours and has urged the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to expedite case follow-up, ensure fair compensation, and strengthen rapid, comprehensive consumer warning systems.
27 Apr 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), disclosed the ongoing problem of travel service businesses failing to meet contractual obligations, or so-called "tour failures." These incidents continue to occur and have caused widespread damage to consumers, affecting both their property and travel plans. She has ordered the OCPB to strictly manage all aspects, including damage prevention, consumer assistance, and closely monitoring case progress.
The government under Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul places continuous importance on consumer protection and will employ all legal mechanisms to address unfair business practices to ensure transparency, fairness, and sustainable confidence.
"In this case, I have instructed the OCPB to urgently coordinate with relevant agencies, especially the Department of Tourism, to verify licenses and business conduct of travel operators, while accelerating assistance to affected consumers to ensure fair and timely compensation. The OCPB must closely monitor case progress and intensify consumer warnings thoroughly and promptly by disseminating information and precautions when choosing tour packages, especially verifying Department of Tourism licenses and avoiding abnormally low prices that may signal scams," she said.
Ms. Supamas added that between 2024 and 2025, the Consumer Protection Board resolved to pursue civil cases on behalf of consumers who purchased various tour services, with total damages nearing 100 million baht. Most issues involved advertising tour packages at abnormally low prices, failure to deliver agreed programs, last-minute cancellations without notice, and refusal to refund consumers, all of which have broadly affected public trust and undermined confidence in the tourism industry overall.
She urged the public to exercise caution when choosing travel services, thoroughly check information before signing contracts, and avoid believing advertisements offering unrealistically low prices. If suspicious behavior or exploitation is encountered, complaints can be filed at the OCPB hotline 1166 or via the OCPB Connect app, available 24 hours a day.