Supamas approves pursuing operators who violate consumer rights, with 35 civil cases filed. She urges courts for heavy penalties and introduces AI to screen complaints efficiently and proactively to protect the public.
On 5 June 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), chaired the 3rd Consumer Protection Committee meeting of 2026. The meeting included the Minister's advisors, secretary, Mr. Ronarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of OCPB, and expert committee members from the government. They reviewed a total of 48 consumer complaints, approving civil lawsuits against 35 businesses violating consumer rights. Cases cover real estate, services, general goods, and online products. Over one-third of complaints received by OCPB currently involve online transactions, highlighting the digital era's new risks and vulnerabilities for consumers.
Ms. Supamas revealed that among these cases, two major ones have attracted public attention: a civil lawsuit against Scandinavian Auto Co., Ltd. and Volvo Car (Thailand) Co., Ltd. for breach of contract in the sale of Volvo electric vehicle model EX30, amid consumer concerns about battery system safety; and a civil suit against Somdet Modern Home Partnership for breach of contract in building a knockdown house, failing to deliver on time. The committee decisively approved filing lawsuits to compel these businesses to refund consumers with interest and compensate damages. For the knockdown house case, it was proposed that the court impose additional punitive damages.
Additionally, the Minister ordered OCPB to transform into a fast, proactive, and decisive agency truly serving the public, under the OCPB Plus policy covering five aspects: proactive prevention of consumer harm via a risk data repository; upgrading complaint centers to one-stop comprehensive service points; close collaboration with cyber police, electronic transaction agencies, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office to oversee online platforms and e-commerce; implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen complaints and automatically issue urgent alerts; and, importantly, operating as a transparent 'white' organization aiming for a perfect 100 score in integrity and transparency assessments perceived by external stakeholders.
Ms. Supamas emphasized that any business exploiting the public must be held accountable, and consumers harmed should receive full refunds. This policy aligns with the government's direction under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. She also urged the public to carefully review contracts and terms before paying, especially when purchasing vehicles, hiring home construction, or ordering online, and to keep complete purchase records. Anyone facing injustice can report via the OCPB hotline 1166, online channels, or the OCPB application immediately.