Post by : Shakul

Thailand has taken a major step toward strengthening consumer rights after the Cabinet approved the draft Product Liability Act, commonly known as the Lemon Law. The legislation, proposed by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), will now be submitted to Parliament for further consideration. The move marks a significant milestone in modernizing Thailand’s consumer protection framework and aligning it with international standards.

Government Pushes for Stronger Consumer Rights

Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and supervisor of the OCPB, described the approval as a historic breakthrough after more than a decade of public demand. She said the law aims to create a fairer marketplace by shifting greater responsibility onto sellers when products are found to be defective or damaged.

Burden of Proof Shifts to Sellers

Under the new framework, consumers will no longer be required to prove that a product was faulty from the beginning. Instead, defects discovered within six months for general goods and one year for automobiles will automatically be presumed to have existed at the time of delivery unless the seller can prove otherwise. This change is expected to make dispute resolution faster and less costly for consumers.

Wider Range of Consumer Remedies

The proposed law grants consumers four key remedies when defects are identified. Buyers may request repairs, product replacement, price reductions or termination of the purchase contract depending on the severity of the issue. Officials believe the broader range of options will ensure more balanced protection for consumers facing faulty products.

Clear Deadlines for Repairs Introduced

The legislation also establishes mandatory repair timelines. General products and motorcycles must be repaired within 60 days, while automobiles must be fixed within 90 days from the date they are submitted for service. If sellers fail to complete repairs within these periods, consumers will gain the right to seek compensation, request price reductions or cancel the contract entirely.

Immediate Replacement for Serious Defects

Consumers will also be entitled to immediate replacements in cases involving significant defects. General products may qualify for replacement within seven days of purchase, while electrical and electronic devices can be replaced within fourteen days. For vehicles with serious safety-related defects that cannot be repaired, sellers will be required to provide a new replacement vehicle of the same type.

Economic Benefits and Next Steps

Officials believe the Lemon Law will not only protect consumers but also encourage businesses to improve product quality and after-sales service standards. The draft legislation has already undergone legal review and public consultation. If approved by Parliament, it is expected to reduce disputes, strengthen consumer confidence and promote fair competition throughout Thailand’s economy.

#Thailand News #Politics #Political Affairs #Law #Consumer Protection