Chiang mai: "Supamas" has taken action to assist consumers misled by a "free cream" scam, leading to rapid mediation and a refund of 85,000 baht within a day.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Suphamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), announced the successful resolution of a consumer case involving the purchase of cosmetics from a shopping mall in Chiang Mai province. The total amount involved was 85,800 baht. The OCPB intervened proactively, mediating a settlement where the store agreed to issue a full refund within a single day.
The incident unfolded when a family's daughter posted on social media, seeking help after her parents were allegedly enticed into the store by promises of free cream, leading to the purchase of cosmetics charged to their credit card. The employee was also accused of using an electrical device on their shoulders, which allegedly caused injury.
Ms. Suphamas responded by assigning Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, advisor to the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, to oversee the case. Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, directed the Consumer Protection Office Region 7 and the Chiang Mai Provincial Consumer Protection Board to promptly engage with the consumer's family and conduct an investigation in collaboration with the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office.
The investigation determined that the establishment was a cosmetics shop, not a medical facility. Sales staff stated there was no coercion to purchase products and no electrical devices were used. The shop provided complimentary facial massages to customers who made purchases.
The Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office examined the cosmetics from the shop, verifying that 5 out of 6 items on the receipt were authentic. It was confirmed that the shop did not require a license to operate as a beauty salon.
The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) mediated between the consumer and the store, leading to an agreement. The store agreed to refund 85,800 baht and retract a defamation complaint against the daughter. In exchange, the consumer agreed to return the goods and withdraw her complaint, while the daughter agreed to remove related social media posts.
The CPB arranged for both parties to meet with an investigating officer at Mae Ping Police Station to document the agreement and ensure compliance with the refund process.
Ms. Suphamas emphasized the government's commitment to consumer protection, highlighting the proactive approach of the Consumer Protection Board in resolving the issue swiftly. She encouraged affected consumers to reach out to the OCPB through various channels for assistance.