Thailand’s government has initiated a broad legal reform of its consumer protection framework, aiming to modernize existing legislation in response to evolving economic conditions and technological change. The directive, led by Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Jiraporn Sindhuprai, calls on the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to accelerate updates to key laws that are now seen as outdated.
Current regulations, including the Consumer Protection Act of 1979 and the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act of 2002, have struggled to keep pace with developments in e-commerce, digital marketing, and new business models. Rising consumer complaints and the growing complexity of the modern marketplace have highlighted the limitations of the existing legal framework.
To address these issues, the OCPB approved the formation of a subcommittee on 4 June to draft amendments to the Consumer Protection Act. The group is tasked with identifying legal gaps, consulting relevant stakeholders, and drafting provisions that reflect the realities of today’s commercial landscape. A performance review of the 1979 law was also conducted on 6 June, with public feedback collected during stakeholder engagement sessions.
Parallel efforts are focused on the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act, with a public hearing held on 18 June to gather opinions on revisions. These proposed changes are intended to better accommodate digital platforms and emerging marketing strategies.
Government officials anticipate that the reforms will improve the transparency and effectiveness of consumer protections, aligning regulatory tools with current economic practices. The OCPB is expected to use the revised laws to respond more effectively to digital-era challenges, thereby strengthening consumer confidence and ensuring fair trade standards.
