Radklao warns that 'devil toys' are flooding Thailand through online platforms and urges the Consumer Council to enhance child protection, emphasizing that consumer protection in the digital era must go beyond just refunding money.
On 9 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Radklao Intawong Suwankiri, a party-list MP from the Democrat Party, debated the Consumer Council's annual report, praising the council as a key mechanism protecting citizens' rights. She highlighted the success of the 'Open Before Paying, Not as Described, No Payment Needed' policy, which has helped build confidence in online shopping and provided tangible consumer remedies.
Radklao also pointed out significant gaps in addressing new risks posed by cross-border e-commerce platforms, where massive quantities of goods enter Thailand daily. Many platforms lack offices or responsible parties in Thailand, making it nearly impossible for Thai consumers to seek accountability when problems arise.
She said the Consumer Council's report reflects that over 80% of current consumer issues relate to online threats, with 296,042 cases of online purchase fraud accounting for 44% of all complaints. However, the report focuses more on addressing fraud and product misrepresentation than on preventing health risks from potentially harmful products.
"Today, consumers risk not only losing money but also their health, and in many cases, the most affected are children."
Radklao cited the rising popularity of "Squishy" toys, soft toys popular among children and youth. Although they appear harmless, their porous foam can easily trap dust and germs. Reports from several countries have found hazardous chemicals in some toys, such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may impact respiratory, liver, and kidney health, hinder children's development, and increase cancer risks.
"Toys that seem cute can become 'devil toys' if safety standards are not rigorously enforced, because when such products enter the market unchecked, it is children and their families who bear the risks."
Radklao questioned whether the Consumer Council plans to elevate its role from merely handling complaints to promoting safety standards for products in the digital age. She proposed pushing for regulations that hold cross-border e-commerce platforms accountable to Thai consumers as much as domestic operators, and coordinating with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute and the Food and Drug Administration to increase random inspections, especially of products for children and youth.
She also suggested the Consumer Council expand its communications from warnings about financial scams to include alerts about product safety, so consumers have the information needed to make informed decisions and avoid potentially harmful products.
"Consumer protection in the digital era must be proactive, preventing harm from the outset. While refunds can compensate economic losses, they cannot heal children's health. If the Consumer Council is to be a true friend to consumers, its future mission must not only protect Thai people's money but also safeguard the lives, health, and safety of all people across all ages." Radklao concluded.