Bangkok: "Radklao" has issued a warning regarding the influx of "demon toys" entering Thailand through online platforms, urging the Consumer Protection Council to enhance child protection measures and emphasizing that consumer protection in the digital era should extend beyond mere refunds.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Radklao Intawong Suwannakiri, a list MP from the Democrat Party, addressed the annual report of the Consumer Protection Council in Parliament. She commended the council's role in safeguarding citizens' rights, highlighting the success of the "Open before you pay; if it doesn't match the description, you don't have to pay" initiative in building consumer confidence and offering tangible relief in online shopping.
Ms. Radklao noted, however, that the report fails to adequately cover the emerging risks posed by multinational e-commerce platforms. A significant volume of goods is entering Thailand daily, often through platforms without local offices or accountable personnel. This leaves Thai consumers with limited avenues for recourse when issues arise.
The Consumer Council's report indicates that over 80% of consumer issues relate to online threats, with 296,042 cases of online fraud accounting for 44% of complaints. The report primarily addresses fraud and misrepresentation but lacks focus on preventing health risks from potentially harmful products.
Ms. Radklao pointed to the widespread popularity of "Squishy" soft toys among children, citing concerns over the porous foam material that can harbor dust and germs. She referenced reports from various countries that have detected harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in some toys, which pose health risks to children, including respiratory issues, liver and kidney damage, developmental problems, and increased cancer risk.
She questioned the Consumer Council's plans to evolve from handling complaints to promoting product safety standards in the digital age. Ms. Radklao urged for stricter regulation of multinational e-commerce platforms to ensure accountability to Thai consumers, akin to domestic businesses. She also advocated for collaboration with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct more random inspections of imported goods, particularly those meant for children and youth.
Additionally, she proposed that the Consumer Council broaden its communication efforts to include warnings about product safety, enabling consumers to make informed decisions and avoid potentially harmful products.
Ms. Radklao emphasized that consumer protection in the digital age should be proactive, aiming to prevent harm from the outset. She asserted that while refunds might cover economic losses, they cannot restore children's health. For the Consumer Council to truly support consumers, its future mission must extend beyond safeguarding Thai people's finances to protecting the lives, health, and safety of citizens of all ages.