BANGKOK — A senior Thai government minister has ordered an inspection of buffet restaurants in a popular Bangkok shopping district, warning that promotional claims must accurately reflect what consumers actually receive.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office overseeing the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), led an on-site inspection in the Pathumwan area on 25 June, where buffet restaurants are highly competitive due to frequent promotions.
She said promotional competition is acceptable, but must be based on honesty, adding that advertising, pricing and service conditions must match reality. “Consumers should not be misled first and then have problems resolved later,” she said.
The inspection focused on three main areas: promotional advertising and terms must be clearly disclosed before purchase; food images and menu items must match actual products served; and prices must be fully transparent, including service charges and value-added tax.
The OCPB also warned against unclear terms in online pre-sold vouchers, saying conditions must be clearly stated at the point of sale.
Supamas said the inspection was carried out in coordination with multiple agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Internal Trade, and the Pathumwan district office, to cover food safety, pricing fairness and hygiene standards.
She added that misleading advertising could result in penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, including fines and imprisonment, while fraudulent advance voucher sales could also fall under criminal fraud provisions.
Consumers were urged to check full pricing details, including tax and service charges, before purchasing, and to review receipts carefully after payment. The OCPB said complaints can be filed via its hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, its website, or local Damrongtham centres.