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Minister Supamas Inspects Buffet Restaurants, Emphasizes Consumers Must Receive What Is Advertised

Politic25 Jun 2026 15:34 GMT+7

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Minister Supamas Inspects Buffet Restaurants, Emphasizes Consumers Must Receive What Is Advertised

Minister Supamas conducted inspections of buffet restaurants, emphasizing that consumers must receive exactly what is advertised. She believes that restaurants with good standards will receive public support, while those exploiting consumers will face full action from the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). The tags are [Consumer Protection, Buffet Restaurants, Advertising, Consumer Rights].


At 12:00 PM on 25 June 2026 GMT+7. The tags are [Date, Time]. Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, overseeing the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). The tags are [Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister, Consumer Protection Board]. Together with Mr. Ronarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, led a team on-site. The tags are [Inspection Team, Consumer Protection Board]. Conducting proactive inspections of buffet restaurants. The tags are [Buffet Restaurant Inspection, Consumer Protection]. In the Pathumwan district of Bangkok, with representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, and Pathumwan District Office joining the mission. The tags are [Pathumwan, Bangkok, FDA, Department of Medical Sciences, Internal Trade, Consumer Protection].

This visit aligns with the policy of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who emphasizes controlling living costs, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring consumer fairness, especially in the buffet restaurant business, which is widely used by the public and features intense promotional competition. The tags are [Government Policy, Consumer Rights, Buffet Business].

Ms. Supamas stated: The tags are [Statement, Supamas]. Competition through promotions is acceptable but must be based on honesty. Consumers must receive exactly what is advertised. I do not want people to be deceived first and then have to seek redress later. The tags are [Honest Advertising, Consumer Protection]. Today, I instructed the OCPB to conduct proactive inspections at restaurant entrances to verify that advertising messages, prices, and conditions match the actual services received by consumers. I believe well-standardized restaurants will gain public support, but those exploiting consumers will face full enforcement by the OCPB. The tags are [Inspection, Advertising Accuracy, Consumer Rights].

Regarding this inspection: The tags are [Inspection]. The OCPB focuses on three main points: The tags are [Inspection Focus]. They are: The tags are [].

1. Advertising signs and promotions must clearly state all conditions before customers decide, avoiding cases where large letters show one thing but important restrictions are written in very small print. The tags are [Advertising Clarity, Consumer Information].

2. Food images and menus must match the actual items. If any items are unavailable, customers must be informed before service. The tags are [Food Representation, Customer Notification].

3. Prices must be clear. If there are service charges or value-added tax (VAT), these must be fully disclosed before payment. Also, advance sale coupons online must clearly state conditions at the time of sale. The tags are [Price Transparency, Service Charges, Coupons].

The Minister added that this visit involves integration of multiple agencies: the OCPB inspects advertising and service conditions; the FDA checks food quality, safety, and controls false claims; the Department of Medical Sciences supports food sample lab analysis; the Department of Internal Trade monitors price display and overcharging; and Pathumwan District Office inspects cleanliness and hygiene to ensure comprehensive consumer protection on price, quality, safety, hygiene, and fairness all at once. The tags are [Interagency Cooperation, Food Safety, Consumer Protection].

Furthermore: The tags are [Additional Information]. If false or misleading advertising is found affecting key consumer information, it may violate Section 22 combined with Section 47 of the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979), punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both. The tags are [False Advertising, Legal Penalties]. Failure to fully disclose promotion conditions may incur penalties under Section 48. Selling advance coupons then closing business to evade responsibility with intent to deceive may constitute fraud under the Criminal Code, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment, fines up to 60,000 baht, or both. Additionally, the OCPB can pursue civil cases on behalf of consumers under Section 39 to consolidate victims and recover money together, relieving consumers from fighting alone. The tags are [Fraud, Consumer Rights, Legal Enforcement].

"I urge consumers to check details before deciding to use services, especially regarding VAT and service charges—whether these are included in the advertised price. If not included, operators must clearly inform consumers before they decide to use the service to prevent misunderstandings and extra charges later. Also, consumers should fully inquire about conditions and always check receipts after payment. I affirm that the OCPB will ensure every dish served matches every advertised claim so consumers receive fairness, and compliant operators can compete confidently." The tags are [Consumer Advice, Transparency, Fair Competition].

However, if problems arise or unfair treatment occurs, consumers can file complaints via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, or the website: The tags are [Consumer Complaints, Assistance].www.ocpb.go.th The tags are [Website, Consumer Protection].Or at the Damrongtham Centers in every province. The tags are [Local Complaint Centers, Consumer Support].