Bangkok: Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, led a team from the Consumer Protection Board, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Royal Thai Police in a pilot operation to inspect five major car repair shops in the Vibhavadi area, focusing on "receipts of payment" after receiving over 1,700 complaints. The operation will be expanded to a nationwide scale.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Suphamas, in her capacity as supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), was accompanied by Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister, Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister, Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, and representatives from the Chatuchak District Office and Prachachuen Police Station. They conducted a pilot inspection at Toyota Buss Co., Ltd., Vibhavadi Rangsit Branch, Chatuchak District, Bangkok. This integrated inspection by three agencies focused on verifying the issuance of receipts in accordance with the OCPB's Announcement on Contracts, which requires automobile repair services to control receipt documentation.
The inspection served as a pilot project, covering five locations in the Chatuchak district before being expanded nationwide. Each agency utilized its authority: the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) verified receipts as per CPB regulations, the Chatuchak District Office inspected business licenses, and the Pracha Chuen Police Station maintained order, ensuring a comprehensive inspection in a single visit.
Despite the regulation being in effect since January 1, 2004, the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) continues to receive complaints regarding car repairs. From 2022 to the present, there have been more than 1,700 complaints related to engine and body repairs, unclear repair costs, unauthorized charges, and incomplete receipts. The CPB has resolved nearly 1,200 cases, or almost 70%, with the remainder still in process.
Ms. Suphamas emphasized the government's policy, as stressed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, for consumer protection agencies to work proactively and coordinate efforts. She instructed the CPB to expand on the pilot inspection results and create a database of automotive repair businesses nationwide. Businesses in Bangkok will coordinate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, while regional CPBs will coordinate through provincial CPBs and Damrongtham Centers, ensuring systematic inspections and clearer follow-up.
Ms. Suphamas stated, 'Cars are assets that people use daily. Safety during travel depends on standard repairs. Consumers must receive complete information at all stages of the repair process. Upon payment, businesses must provide a receipt listing all items. This document serves as protection for consumers. I have instructed the CPB to study and upgrade protection to include pre-service agreements for car repairs, so consumers know the repair items, prices, and conditions clearly before repairs begin.'
Ms. Suphamas also reminded car repair businesses that issuing receipts is a legal obligation, not a request for cooperation. Violations can result in imprisonment, fines, or both. She instructed the CPB to conduct rigorous inspections and take legal action against violators. She thanked the Chatuchak District Office, Prachachuen Police Station, and businesses that allowed inspections. This cooperation benefits citizens. Consumers feeling exploited by car repair services can file complaints via the CPB hotline, OCPB Connect application, website, or Damrongtham Center in every province.