BANGKOK, Thailand – A consumer protection minister has had enough of misleading advertisements and hidden charges in buffet restaurants.
Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi personally led an inspection on June 25 into several buffet restaurants in the Pathumwan shopping district. She has vowed strict consequences for operators who fail to deliver on their menu promises.
Minister Conducts Unannounced Spot Checks
This was no routine visit. Supamas Isarabhakdi, minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and head of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), was present at the restaurants, scrutinizing advertising boards closely.
Officials from the Food and Drug Administration, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Pathumwan district office also accompanied the minister. The focus was on establishments using aggressive price competition to attract diners.
Three Key Points for All Restaurateurs
Inspectors concentrated on three critical areas. First, advertising: all terms of a deal must be crystal clear before a customer orders. Hidden clauses are no longer to be tolerated.
Second, photographs: what appears appetizing in pictures must directly match what is served at the buffet. Finally, pricing: service charges and value-added tax must be clearly stated from the outset, not presented as unwelcome surprises on the bill.
‘Consumers Should Not Be Misled’
The minister voiced her strong opinions, stating that while competition is fierce, it must be based on honesty. Her central demand was clear:
“Consumers should not be misled first, only to have to solve problems later.”
said Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
For her, the principle is simple: the reality in the restaurant must align with what is advertised. That is the bottom line.
Strong Warning Against Online Vouchers
A particular point of concern for the authorities are pre-purchased online vouchers. These often come with vague conditions that only become apparent upon redemption.
The OCPB emphasized that all restrictions and terms of use must be displayed at the point of sale. Those who attempt to hide behind fine print risk legal action.
Drastic Penalties Loom
The threat of legal repercussions is not an empty one. Misleading advertising can incur significant fines and even imprisonment under the Consumer Protection Act.
If an operator sells vouchers and fails to provide the promised service, this could be classified as criminal fraud, a matter far beyond minor offenses.
How Customers Can Fight Back Against Exploitation
The OCPB advises all customers to check price details, including taxes and service charges, before paying. A thorough review of the receipt afterward is also recommended. Customers now have multiple direct channels to file complaints. The office can be reached via hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, their website, or any of the nationwide Damrongtham complaint centers.