Supamas has ordered the OCPB to implement nine flood relief measures, highlighting free vehicle repair estimates and coordination to reduce installments, alleviating burdens on victims of the floods.
On 30 Sep 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), announced that she has instructed the OCPB to coordinate with government agencies and business networks to advance nine measures to aid flood victims. These range from providing tow trucks, free vehicle repair estimates, discounted parts and labor, debt assistance coordination, to home and electrical appliance repairs, while ensuring consumers are not charged unfair fees or subjected to unjust conditions.
"Vehicles damaged by flooding incur towing and repair costs, while installment payments continue; damaged homes also require repair expenses. Therefore, I have directed the OCPB to promptly coordinate with government agencies, repair shops, car manufacturers, and relevant businesses to help reduce these expenses. The public must receive support and not be exploited during their hardship," Ms. Supamas said.
Ms. Supamas stated that for vehicles affected by flooding, the OCPB has coordinated with police to provide assistance via the 191 hotline for towing services, and with the Tow Truck Association of Thailand, which has pledged to charge reasonable, cost-based fees without price gouging. For repairs, collaboration with the Insurance Repair Shop Association offers free repair estimates and discounts on genuine parts, while many car manufacturers have introduced measures to reduce parts and labor costs and provide free vehicle inspections according to each company's policies.
Regarding debt burdens, the OCPB has consulted with the Bank of Thailand on assistance measures for those affected, including principal payment deferrals, interest reduction or suspension, installment reductions, and extended repayment terms. This aims to provide liquidity for essential expenses and damage restoration. Consumers can contact their financial institutions for assistance, with details and durations varying by institution and loan type.
For insured vehicles, the OCPB has coordinated with the Office of Insurance Commission to oversee insurance claims in line with actual damages and policy coverage. Issues can be addressed through the OIC hotline 1186. For rental cars, the Thai Car Rental Association has guidelines waiving deductibles for flood damage and providing replacement vehicles during active rental contracts; residual damages are subject to insurance terms.
Additionally, the OCPB has coordinated with businesses to aid home and electrical appliance restoration, offering free home surveys and electrical system inspections, discounts on home care services, extended appliance warranties, and waivers of inspection or repair labor fees according to each provider's conditions. It has also urged landlords to formalize rental agreements fairly, avoiding exploitative rent charges or unjust deposit forfeitures, working with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration offices to facilitate local assistance.
"I urge businesses to clearly disclose prices and terms and to collectively help reduce burdens on flood victims. If anyone faces unfair fees or conditions, please report to the OCPB for prompt resolution via the 1166 hotline, the OCPB Connect app, the www.ocpb.go.th website, or OCPB offices nationwide," she said. . . .
