Bangkok: "Supamas" conducted a raid on a buffet restaurant in a famous shopping mall in the Pathumwan area, charging them with misleading advertising, hidden pricing, and selling coupons to evade detection.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), along with Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, led a team of officials from various departments, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Medical Sciences, the Department of Internal Trade, and the Pathumwan District Office. This proactive inspection aimed to prevent consumer exploitation in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy on managing the cost of living.
Ms. Suphamas emphasized that while buffet restaurants can offer promotions, it must be done with honesty. Customers should receive the service as advertised, and she expressed a desire to avoid deceptive practices that necessitate last-minute resolutions. The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) concentrated on three main issues during the inspection: advertising and promotional signs must clearly state terms and conditions without using small, illegible text; menus must accurately reflect what is served, with customers being informed in advance of any sold-out items; and pricing must be transparent, with service charges or VAT clearly stated before payment. Online voucher sales also need to clearly outline terms of use.
The inspection was a coordinated effort, with the CPB overseeing advertising and terms, the FDA ensuring quality and safety, the Department of Medical Sciences providing laboratory analysis, the Department of Internal Trade inspecting price labeling, and the Pathumwan District Office enforcing hygiene and cleanliness standards. This comprehensive approach aimed to ensure fairness for consumers in all aspects.
The Minister highlighted the penalties for misleading advertisements, which include imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both, per the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Fraudulent practices involving advance buffet coupons could lead to charges under the Criminal Code, with penalties of up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. The CPB has the authority to represent victims in filing class action lawsuits to recover funds, ensuring consumers are not left to fight alone.
The public is reminded to carefully check terms and conditions and net prices before dining and to verify receipts after payment. Consumers who encounter problems or feel exploited can file complaints via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the OCPB website, or the Damrongtham Center in every province nationwide.