Bangkok: "Supamas" urges the Consumer Protection Board to expedite assistance in 1,655 cases and orders an investigation into residential rental contracts nationwide. Minister Supamas inspected rental rooms and apartments to prevent consumer exploitation, including confiscation of security deposits, excessive water and electricity charges, and unfair contracts.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, in her capacity as supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), inspected residential rental businesses in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 53, Wang Thonglang District, Bangkok. She was accompanied by Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office; Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB; and officials from the Wang Thonglang District Office, Wang Thonglang Police Station, and representatives from the Consumer Organizations Council.
Ms. Supamas stated that this field visit was in accordance with the policy of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who emphasized the need for all agencies to integrate their cooperation and work proactively in addressing the economic well-being and ensuring justice for the people. Housing is another significant monthly expense for citizens, particularly working professionals, students, and low-income individuals who need to rent accommodation.
According to complaints received by the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) from 2015 to the present, there have been 1,655 complaints regarding rental properties. The most common complaint is unfair forfeiture of security deposits, often resulting from landlords failing to disclose actual damages or deducting amounts disproportionately to the damages without supporting documentation. The second most common complaint is overcharging for water and electricity, violating government rates and creating an unfair burden for tenants.
Ms. Supamas further stated that, according to the Announcement of the Committee on Contracts Regarding the Control of Contracts for Residential Building Rentals in 2025, businesses are prohibited from charging electricity and water fees exceeding the rates set by government agencies. The basic principles that tenants must know are: 1. Water and electricity charges must be based on actual consumption according to the rates of the Electricity Authority and the Water Authority; no profit margin should be added. 2. Upon moving out, the security deposit must be returned. If the room is not damaged, it must be returned within 7 days. If damage occurs due to the tenant's actual use, only that portion can be deducted, and the deposit must be returned within 14 days. Wear and tear from normal use cannot be deducted. 3. The security deposit combined with advance rent must not exceed three months' monthly rent. Furthermore, landlords must use standard contract templates prescribed by the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), which are fair to both parties and can be downloaded free of charge.
"Using contracts that exploit tenants, or failing to draft contracts in accordance with the law, is an offense punishable by both imprisonment and fines; it's not a minor matter. I have instructed the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) officials to conduct rigorous and continuous inspections. If any business operator is found to be violating the law, the CPB will take strict legal action. At the same time, the CPB is ready to advise business operators on amending their contracts to be in compliance. Our goal is fairness for tenants while also ensuring that businesses draft legally compliant contracts. Business operators who adapt quickly will gain the trust of their tenants," said Ms. Supamas.
Ms. Supamas also advised all tenants to carefully review the contract and the method of calculating water and electricity bills before agreeing to rent, and to keep all contracts, bills, and receipts as evidence for complaints if problems arise. If you feel exploited while renting an apartment or room, you can file a complaint through the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the website www.ocpb.go.th, or the Damrongtham Center in every province.
"I want to emphasize that fairness must reach all tenants, especially students and low-income individuals renting small rooms. This group must receive the actual water and electricity charges and their full security deposit back. I will not allow consumers to be exploited, and the Consumer Protection Board will continue inspections until all tenants nationwide receive equal justice. If any wrongdoing is found, legal action will be taken to set an example and prevent further exploitation of residents. Don't be deceived, because many people don't know that apartments shouldn't overcharge, or some may know but are forced to accept it. Now that the government is here, we will crack down on the unfair practices of apartment owners against consumers," said Ms. Supamas.
Before departing, Mr. Sirimongkol Inkaew, President of the Student Organization of Ramkhamhaeng University, presented a letter of gratitude to the government for its support regarding housing rental contracts. This initiative benefits students and the general public, fosters a sense of community responsibility, and serves as an example for other housing developers.