Supamas raids Khlong Thom ordering action against substandard solar panels, seizing large quantities of products, launching nationwide inspections, pushing for solar panels to be designated as "special label-controlled products," and tightening installation contracts.
Today (20 May 2026) at 10:30 a.m., Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), along with Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaileua, advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office; Dr. Patcharin Samsiriphong, Secretary to the Minister; Mr. Ronarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the CPB; CPB officials; representatives from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI); representatives from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA); and the Consumer Organizations Council, conducted an inspection of solar panel product labels at Khlong Thom Center shopping mall, Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, Bangkok.
Ms. Supamas said this inspection stems from the concern of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who prioritizes consumer protection against the use of goods and services that may violate consumer protection laws, especially in the solar rooftop electricity generation sector. Although solar rooftop systems are popular in many households, problems have arisen with consumers being deceived into using substandard equipment and installations, risking life and property. Previously, she instructed the ministerial advisor and CPB Secretary-General to participate in a meeting with Energy Minister Aeknath Panpan on 14 May 2026 to discuss measures.
"I have received consumer complaints about contractors installing solar rooftop electricity systems where the products were substandard, equipment was defective, fire risks existed, and electricity bills did not decrease, causing harm to consumers. I therefore ordered the CPB to gather facts and evidence to present to the Consumer Protection Committee for pursuing legal action on behalf of consumers. Since 2024, the CPB has received 156 complaints on this issue, resolved 84 cases, with total claimed damages exceeding 40 million baht. The remaining cases are under close follow-up. The most frequent complaints concern substandard equipment, followed by unfair service. These figures clearly show the widespread impact on the public." .
Ms. Supamas continued that during today's inspection, business operators cooperated well, but efforts will not stop here. She has instructed the CPB to coordinate with relevant agencies to conduct continuous nationwide inspections. If officials find solar panels with illegal labeling—such as missing Thai labels, no importer information, or missing warnings—they will immediately seize the products as prescribed by law and send them for further standards verification. Importers and sellers will be summoned to provide statements to the CPB within seven days to proceed with legal action under the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979), sections 30, 31, and 52. Sellers who sell unlabeled or incorrectly labeled products face up to six months imprisonment and/or fines up to 100,000 baht, while manufacturers or importers face harsher penalties of up to one year imprisonment and/or fines up to 200,000 baht. Additionally, the CPB will expand similar inspections nationwide.
"In the long term, the CPB plans to upgrade consumer protection measures by pushing to designate solar panel equipment as exclusively label-controlled products and to regulate the solar rooftop electricity system installation business contracts to ensure fairness for consumers. The government supports clean energy but demands standards, responsibility, and consumer protection. The CPB’s role is to safeguard consumers without causing hardship for businesses. I urge all business operators to sell only standard products with proper labels. If substandard goods are found, operators must take responsibility. Consumers should carefully check all labels for producers, importers, and origins, and look for the TISI mark, which boosts confidence. Most importantly, keep contracts and receipts. Avoid being misled by unusually cheap offers or online advertisements without certification, as these can lead to financial loss, property damage, and life-threatening risks. The CPB and I will continue inspections until the Thai solar panel market is safe and fair for everyone."
. Ms. Supamas concluded.