Bangkok: Widespread tour cancellations affecting numerous citizens have prompted complaints. Minister Supamas instructed the Consumer Protection Board to expedite case investigations and ensure fair compensation for consumers.
According to Thai News Agency, the problem of canceled tours is widespread, impacting numerous consumers who have filed complaints with relevant agencies. Most recently, 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), stated that she is aware of the ongoing issue of tour businesses failing to deliver on their contracts, or "cancelled tours," which are causing widespread damage to consumers. She has instructed the OCPB to intensify its operations in all aspects, including preventing damage, providing assistance to consumers, and closely monitoring the progress of cases.
The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has been instructed to expedite cooperation with relevant agencies, especially the Department of Tourism, in inspecting the licenses and conduct of tour operators. This is to ensure prompt and fair compensation for affected consumers, and to closely monitor the progress of legal cases. Furthermore, the CPB is to enhance its consumer safety alert system, disseminating information on precautions to take when purchasing tour packages, particularly emphasizing the importance of verifying licenses from the Department of Tourism and avoiding unusually low prices, which may indicate fraud.
According to data from 2024-2025, the Consumer Protection Committee resolved to pursue civil lawsuits on behalf of consumers in several cases involving the purchase of tour services, totaling nearly 100,000,000 baht in damages. The majority of the problems found still relate to advertising tour packages at unusually low prices, failure to adhere to the agreed-upon itinerary, cancellation of trips without prior notice, and non-refundable claims. These issues have a wide-ranging impact and undermine confidence in the tourism industry as a whole.
However, the public is advised to exercise caution when choosing tour services, to thoroughly check information before signing a contract, and not to be misled by advertisements offering unrealistically low prices. If you encounter any suspicious behavior or feel exploited, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Board hotline 1166 or through the OCPB Connect application, available 24 hours a day.