In a significant escalation, Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) is delving deeper into a high-profile housing construction fraud case. This comes after contractor Kriengkrai Rawai Klang, generally known as “Chang Nueng,” neglected to attend scheduled questioning. The case has captured public attention, with numerous victims alleging breaches of contract and substantial financial losses related to housing projects.
Minister Suphamas Isarabhakdi, who oversees the OCPB under the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that the accused missed the formal questioning set for May 12, despite a legal summons. Around 40 victims showed up to provide testimonies at the OCPB office, yet mediation was stalled due to the contractor's absence. Authorities have since issued a second summons and warned that continued noncompliance may lead to criminal charges.
According to Thai law, failure to comply with an official summons can result in up to one month of imprisonment, fines of up to 20,000 baht, or both. The government has tasked investigators with rigorously adhering to legal protocols while compiling evidence for civil and criminal cases. Coordination with the Crime Suppression Division and the Consumer Protection Police Division is also underway to better assist victims and fortify the investigation.
The OCPB is actively requesting financial transaction records from banks to trace relevant funds linked to the case, with an expected process duration of about 15 days. Investigators are examining potential contract infractions and deceptive advertising practices associated with the contractor. Possible penalties for contract breaches may involve imprisonment for up to one year and fines as high as 200,000 baht, while advertising violations could result in six months in prison and up to 100,000 baht in fines.
Ms. Suphamas expressed the government's commitment to wrap up the legal proceedings against the accused within two months. More broadly, the investigation is being expanded to include another case connected to Modern Tage Co., Ltd., which has already received around 90 complaints now with the Consumer Protection Police Division. Investigators noted that the firm has initiated steps to dissolve its business registration, prompting further evidence gathering before legal actions are enforced.
Thailand's government has underscored that consumer protection, particularly in housing, is a vital national concern, considering housing as a fundamental necessity. Officials stressed the need for the public to diligently vet contractors and businesses before signing agreements or making substantial prepayments. Consumers are additionally encouraged to refrain from transferring money beyond the actual work scope without adequate protections.
The OCPB has pledged to keep monitoring contractors and businesses exhibiting similar troubling behavior across social media and online platforms. Those affected by construction fraud or service disputes can file complaints through the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect mobile application, the official website, or local Damrongtham Centers found in provincial halls across Thailand.
A strong smell at a shopping mall in Tokyo triggered a major emergency response with at least 19 pe
Recent missile strikes in Ukraine have escalated regional tensions, prompting urgent calls for inter
A tense exchange between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping during high-level talks has raised questions ab
Indigenous treaty rights and constitutional protections are becoming major obstacles in Alberta’s gr
