Bangkok: Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, has taken significant steps in regulating digital platforms, with a focus on consumer protection. The Minister is considering the use of class action lawsuits to assist victims of online fraud.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Isarabhakdi has tasked Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, her advisor, with implementing a policy to manage online platforms for consumer protection, with continuous oversight from Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong. Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), has been directed to execute this plan. This initiative follows a workshop by OCPB on July 31, 2026, aimed at developing an action plan for consumer protection against online product issues at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Suphamas highlighted ongoing issues with online shopping, such as substandard products and insufficient compensation for damages. She stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to the online commerce chain, focusing on digital platforms as intermediaries. Although the Consumer Protection Board currently has legal limitations in directly regulating online platforms, the government is promoting Shared Responsibility between sellers and platforms to ensure consumer safety and compensation for damages.
The initiative aligns with the government's policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to protect citizen rights while fostering the digital economy. Ms. Suphamas has instructed the CPB to collaborate with relevant agencies to define roles, establish clear indicators, and ensure effective nationwide implementation of consumer protection measures.
Moreover, Ms. Suphamas has directed the CPB to explore the feasibility of class action lawsuits for cases with multiple victims, reducing individual burdens and facilitating access to justice. The CPB is also engaging with agencies regulating online commerce to integrate collaborative mechanisms.
The workshop on July 31, 2026, marked a significant step in developing a national action plan. It aimed to establish roles and performance indicators for key and supporting agencies, ensuring concrete implementation of consumer protection measures across all sectors.
Ms. Suphamas emphasized that the policy does not intend to burden businesses but rather seeks to balance digital economy growth with consumer rights protection, fostering a transparent and fair market system.