Know your rights, stop the myths

[konying]

Everyday there is a thread of people asking for advice on what to do

Everyday you get responses like "This is Thailand", or "This is how it is"

Well, its NOT and most of the rubbish posted is just that-RUBBISH.

Thailand, just like any other country in the world has laws and agency's which enforce it, People just need to know it.

So here is a break down of those agencies,, so hopefully it will help many many people.

1. Consumer Protection Board. http://www.ocpb.go.th/main.php?filename=index

This agency deals with all retails, realesate and alike problems, including faulty products, incomplete jobs, warranty's etc.

It also deals with unlicensed restaurants of food sellers

It is a government agency, so it does not cost you a single baht.

In most cases, after you contact them, just a phone call from them to the retailer will solve the problems.

Business owners and managers are aware of this agency and are afraid of complaints being filed.

2. City Hall

City Hall in each province has a 24 hour number, Pattaya is 1337

City Hall will deal with noise complaints. ie street parties(those need to have permit before being put on), without one, once called, party gets shut down

City Hall can be also called if you have problems with school,noisy bar,cars blocking driveways or alike.

3.National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission. http://www.nbtc.go.th/wps/portal/NTC/eng

This agency deals with any problems related to your phone or internet or cable provider.

This includes, wrong billing, no service, warranty on phones sold by telco and everything else related.

Again, all companies are aware of this agency,but most people are not. Hence all the problems.

Personal experience just to illustrate: My business phone bill was always 2 weeks late and each time Telco would disconnect the phone for non payment.

After contacting NBTC, while on hold, they contacted Telco, my phone was switched back on in less than 3 mins and has never been disconnected again, even if i was late to pay the bills.

4. NCPO Thai government. 24 hour Call Center 1111 http://www.1111.go.th/

They deal with any and all complaints related to anything and everything.

Noise, schools, retailers, builders, police or anything else.

Call to this agency and call from them to the other party solves problems within 24 hours

5. Insurance Commission http://www.oic.or.th/en/home/

Any problems insurance related.

I can not think of other agency's that i have had personal experience with, may be others can add to the list.

To people living in fear of their own shadow, you do not need to worry. Not too many Thai know of their rights or this agency's

When the problem arises, other party in my experience usually assumed you are very well connected to bring $hit storm like this and you will not be harmed in anyway.

[kannot]

Good post, I always like the myth of " they will kill you" thats my favourite along with motorcycles will always win payment wise when they hit you.............utter tripe.

[benalibina]

Hmmm........you lead a rosy life. Good for you.

[wprime]

Good post, I always like the myth of " they will kill you" thats my favourite along with motorcycles will always win payment wise when they hit you.............utter tripe.

There is some merit to that, Thai traffic law is written in such a way that tries to make everyone liable for every accident. E.g. motorbike overtakes a stationary vehicle across double lines hits into an oncoming car. In the west the police would throw a book at the motorbike driver and he'll be 100% liable, but in Thailand

- Car must give way to the overtaking motorbike

- Motorbike must not overtake when unsafe

Both drivers will have some liability, if the motorbike driver was injured criminal charges can be placed against you which will usually be dropped if you accept liability for everything (which is what most insured car drivers will do).

If the criminal charges aren't dropped you will need to prove you made a reasonable mistake, i.e. a reasonable person could not have foreseen a motorbike suddenly pulling out from behind the stopped truck, your speed was reasonable for the situation and that you made a reasonable attempt to stop/avoid the collision. If you can prove that, then you'll lose about 100,000 baht in lawyer fees, the motorbike driver will call you jai rai for not just accepting 100% blame because you can afford his medical bills but he can't, and you're free to just pay a % of the total damages that you are considered to have contributed to minus whatever the motorbike driver must pay you - if he has to pay you more then you'll probably get nothing as he has nothing to give.

[konying]

Good post, I always like the myth of " they will kill you" thats my favourite along with motorcycles will always win payment wise when they hit you.............utter tripe.

There is some merit to that, Thai traffic law is written in such a way that tries to make everyone liable for every accident. E.g. motorbike overtakes a stationary vehicle across double lines hits into an oncoming car. In the west the police would throw a book at the motorbike driver and he'll be 100% liable, but in Thailand

- Car must give way to the overtaking motorbike

- Motorbike must not overtake when unsafe

Both drivers will have some liability, if the motorbike driver was injured criminal charges can be placed against you which will usually be dropped if you accept liability for everything (which is what most insured car drivers will do).

If the criminal charges aren't dropped you will need to prove you made a reasonable mistake, i.e. a reasonable person could not have foreseen a motorbike suddenly pulling out from behind the stopped truck, your speed was reasonable for the situation and that you made a reasonable attempt to stop/avoid the collision. If you can prove that, then you'll lose about 100,000 baht in lawyer fees, the motorbike driver will call you jai rai for not just accepting 100% blame because you can afford his medical bills but he can't, and you're free to just pay a % of the total damages that you are considered to have contributed to minus whatever the motorbike driver must pay you - if he has to pay you more then you'll probably get nothing as he has nothing to give.

And all this drivel is thread related how exactly ?

Not to mention utter nonsense

[Liquorice]

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

Edited March 11, 2015 by Faz

[manarak]

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

any shops around Pattaya with cutting service?

[Costas2008]

OP, thank you very much for the information.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone behind these numbers speak English?

[konying]

OP, thank you very much for the information.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone behind these numbers speak English?

Yes and no. Consumer board has an English soeaking officer, he is actually almost fluent.

Others have people who can speak English , however speaking thai or having someone who speaks thai makes life easier, no misunderstanding and repeating yourself numerous times.

[konying]

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

You are under the assumption manager or staff care. They do not , it's not their money or their profits.

In your case there was no need to complain, because they fixed the problem.

In many cases they do not , often refuse to honour warranties or keep telling customer next week for months on.

[canopy]

Thank you for this information. It's the best post I've seen here in years. How might one find how to contact City Hall out in the provinces?

[DeaconJohn]

Excellent summary of government agencies to contact for help.

But how effective are they?

It would be interesting to hear from people who filed complaints; and how they were dealt with.

[Liquorice]

manarak, on 11 Mar 2015 - 10:10, said:

Faz, on 11 Mar 2015 - 10:01, said:

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

any shops around Pattaya with cutting service?

All the hairdresser shops offer a cutting service (Sorry, couldn't resist)

[Liquorice]

konying, on 11 Mar 2015 - 10:40, said:

Faz, on 11 Mar 2015 - 10:01, said:

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

You are under the assumption manager or staff care. They do not , it's not their money or their profits.

In your case there was no need to complain, because they fixed the problem.

In many cases they do not , often refuse to honour warranties or keep telling customer next week for months on.

Eh! How did they fix the problem?

Why should I pay again for something that I already paid for but they ruined, even if they did offer to cut it for free second time.

I walked away 135 baht light. I left the pieces of useless cut board for them to dispose of.

[cumgranosalum]

i think most people are for one reason or another reluctant to complain..... fear of failure or unsure about where, who, what etc. This lack of confidence then leads them to advise others to do the same.

Consumer laws and customer service are in their infancy in Thailand and there is a strong but legally questionable culture of "caveat emptor" - however I have had a huge amount of success over the last decade when complaining to companies and institutions that have failed to deliver on their promises or expectations.

my advise to those who feel they have been wronged - is

first decide HOW you have been wronged.

Then, decided on what you want to put it right.

Thirdly - GO FOR IT! - in an orderly and methodical way.

[Emster23]

"Thailand, just like any other country in the world has laws and agency's which enforce it"

Well, got it half right.... it's a start

[konying]

Excellent summary of government agencies to contact for help.

But how effective are they?

It would be interesting to hear from people who filed complaints; and how they were dealt with.

Have used all I mentioned with satisfactory outcome.

[konying]

konying, on 11 Mar 2015 - 10:40, said:

Faz, on 11 Mar 2015 - 10:01, said:

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

You are under the assumption manager or staff care. They do not , it's not their money or their profits.

In your case there was no need to complain, because they fixed the problem.

In many cases they do not , often refuse to honour warranties or keep telling customer next week for months on.

Eh! How did they fix the problem?

Why should I pay again for something that I already paid for but they ruined, even if they did offer to cut it for free second time.

I walked away 135 baht light. I left the pieces of useless cut board for them to dispose of.

They offered to cut it free for you again, this is how

[konying]

Thank you for this information. It's the best post I've seen here in years. How might one find how to contact City Hall out in the provinces?

Either Google , or visit or police station or call 1111 and ask for contact info in your province

[konying]

"Thailand, just like any other country in the world has laws and agency's which enforce it"

Well, got it half right.... it's a start

This is how myths get created

Yes thailand has laws and yes thailand has agencies, but when no one complains nothing gets enforced

[ghworker2010]

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

ha ha Mr faz. I dont think homepro will notice.... 257k is penuts to them pal.

members of this forum crack me up

[Seastallion]

It is an informative OP. Perhaps could it be pinned? Perhaps after a few more constructive additions?

[CharlieH]

It is an informative OP. Perhaps could it be pinned? Perhaps after a few more constructive additions?

Already there:http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/109057-thai-government-web-sites/

If anyone has any other "Government" only departments to add, please PM them to me.

[thefactoryoutlet]

You are right, but try to know how efficient and useful they are and they you will know that people posts are not myths...

[mrfaroukh]

Thank you so much. This was the best post for a very long time. Hope there are more people like you to look for the solution rather than complaining all the time.

[konying]

You are right, but try to know how efficient and useful they are and they you will know that people posts are not myths...

As already posted 3 times , very effective and those who were not successful either posting rubbish or were in the wrong to start with.

To put it in perspective for you, I managed to get a refund on a 1 year old bike which kept breaking .

I have managed to shut down a bar next to my business which kept people up till 5am

I have managed to shut down weekly street party by one neighbour who not only blasted music from 6 am but blocked entire soi .

I have managed to stop telco from disconnecting my phone because of them sending out bills late.

Have managed to get an upgraded phone from telco because they kept delaying replacing broken one.

Have managed to get free LED TV from LG, because their technician broke mine claiming it was broken, and list goes on.

So yes, all agencies are effective, in some cases it's best to insist on bkk handling it because locally , some people open to "donations"

[BlackJack]

can i cut and paste this to another thread

[Liquorice]

ghworker2010, on 11 Mar 2015 - 13:39, said:

Faz, on 11 Mar 2015 - 10:01, said:

The number for the Consumer Protection Board is 1166.

I had an issue recently with a Home Shop depot. Paid 110 baht for a 4m board that I wanted cutting into 8 pieces of 495mm. I was charged 25 baht for the cutting service. After cutting every piece was cut at an angle, not straight, the saw wasn't obviously set at a 90 degree angle.

I immediately complained and they offered to cut me another piece, free of the cutting charge, but 110 baht for another board.

It's not the cost, but the principal at times. I've spent over 257,000 baht at that store. I didn't bother with reporting the issue to the Consumer Protection Board, instead choosing to withdraw any more purchases from that store. I made it very clear to the manager it was their loss and Home Pro's gain.

Sometimes it's easier to 'bite the bullet', walk away and hit them where it hurts......in their pockets.

ha ha Mr faz. I dont think homepro will notice.... 257k is penuts to them pal.

members of this forum crack me up

Was the pun intended...........peanuts.......crack me up.

You should see a doctor

Principle dear fellow, not cost.

[greenchair]

There are many laws and agencies.

Knowing them might save your ass one day

[konying]

OP, thank you very much for the information.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone behind these numbers speak English?

Just in, 1111 has English now http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807690-new-1155-and-1111-hotline-launched-for-foreigners/#entry9172805