Supamas ordered the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to assist flood victims by providing free repair cost estimates and discounts on parts, while emphasizing that towing fees must be fair. She advised that if prices are inflated, complaints can be made via the hotline 1166.
On 1 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), detailed assistance measures for citizens whose vehicles were damaged by flooding. Following the rollout of nine aid measures for flood victims, she instructed the CPB to coordinate support ranging from vehicle relocation, free repair cost assessments, discounts on parts and labor, insurance claims, to debt relief, while preventing exploitation through unfair service charges.
Ms. Supamas stated that people have begun contacting the CPB for assistance. Officials have received reports and coordinated initially with related agencies and businesses to find solutions tailored to each consumer’s specific issues.
“Vehicles damaged by floods cause hardship, and citizens face the burden of finding tow trucks and repair shops while still making loan payments. Therefore, I have directed the CPB to coordinate assistance at every step to facilitate flood victims—so they know whom to contact, what discounts or rights they have, and to prevent them from being further burdened by unfair towing or repair charges,” Ms. Supamas said.
Regarding vehicle relocation, the CPB coordinated with the Traffic Police Division, which reported that each Metropolitan Police Station has two tow trucks available for public use, accessible via the 191 hotline. The CPB also coordinated with the Tow Truck Association of Thailand to ensure towing and slide truck fees reflect reasonable costs without opportunistic price hikes. Additionally, citizens can inquire about towing services from insurance companies, which offer such services not limited to their policyholders but require checking terms before use.
When vehicles enter the repair stage, the CPB collaborates with the Insurance Garage Association to provide free repair cost assessments, along with discounts on genuine parts redeemable at authorized dealers, and parts warranties according to each brand’s terms. The Thai Automotive Industry Association reported that many car manufacturers are reducing parts, labor, and inspection fees, including offering free vehicle inspections. Citizens should contact their vehicle brand’s service center to inquire about benefits, discounts, and participation periods before proceeding with repairs.
On insurance claims, the CPB coordinated with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), which stated that compensation assessments depend on actual damage and the policy coverage. For combustion engine vehicles, damage is categorized into five levels—from water reaching the carpet, seats, lower dashboard, upper dashboard, to the entire vehicle being submerged. Consumers are advised to photograph water levels and damage as evidence. If unforeseen circumstances prevent photo documentation, this does not negate the right to claim compensation. For claim issues, contact the OIC hotline 1186.
For those still paying installments, the CPB discussed with the Bank of Thailand measures to assist affected individuals, including principal payment deferrals, interest reductions or suspensions, installment reductions, and extended repayment periods. Citizens are urged to contact their financial institutions for assistance, as terms and durations vary by institution and loan type.
For rental vehicle users, the CPB requested cooperation from the Thai Car Rental Association, which has guidelines to waive deductibles for flood-damaged rental cars and to provide replacement vehicles promptly if the rental contract is still active. Remaining damages are subject to insurance terms.
Ms. Supamas emphasized that businesses must clearly disclose prices, repair details, and service conditions. If consumers experience unfair treatment regarding towing or repairs, they can file complaints via the CPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, the website www.ocpb.go.th, or any provincial CPB office, to enable officials to promptly address and coordinate assistance.
