Supamas ordered the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to urgently assist 25 victims defrauded by a Chinese language institute that sold courses and abandoned students, with plans to pursue legal action on behalf of consumers.
On 20 October 2026, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and overseer of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), revealed she has instructed the OCPB to promptly investigate a Chinese language institute in Chiang Mai after applicants to a short-term Chinese language program in China complained about having paid fees but not receiving documents on time, sudden changes to travel dates and destination institutions, and difficulties in contacting the institute for refunds.
Ms. Supamas stated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is concerned about public hardships and prioritizes consumer rights protection, especially for goods and services purchased online. She has therefore urged the OCPB to swiftly verify facts, assist affected individuals, and ensure businesses take responsibility and provide fair compensation so that citizens have recourse when exploited.
On 12 October, 25 victims submitted complaints to the Chiang Mai OCPB, with total damages amounting to 972,500 baht. Today (20 October 2026), the Chiang Mai OCPB issued a summons to the company organizing the program to provide an explanation. If they fail to appear or lack a plan to compensate consumers, the OCPB will compile evidence to present to the Consumer Protection Committee to consider legal action on behalf of consumers under Section 39 of the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
“Applicants and their guardians paid with the confidence they would receive education and care as agreed. The organizer must be responsible for education, travel, accommodation, and safety, and must not leave students to resolve problems on their own. If consumer rights violations are found, the OCPB will take serious legal action,” Ms. Supamas said.
Ms. Supamas emphasized that before applying for overseas study programs, one should verify the organizer and confirm information directly with the destination institution. Applicants should request written details of services and refund conditions. Those affected are advised to keep payment receipts, contracts, advertisements, and communications as evidence and may file complaints via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the www.ocpb.go.th website, or any provincial OCPB office.