**Title Suggestion:** **“Thailand’s 2025 Consumer Watchlist: Sunscreen Safety, Unfair Loan Contracts, Sky‑High Electricity Bills and Four More Hot Issues Shaping Your Rights”**

Breaking: Thailand’s Consumer Council Unveils 5 Urgent Issues Shaping 2025 Consumer Rights

DATELINE: BANGKOK — In a move observers call a potential turning point for consumer protections,the Thai Consumer Council tonight published its five headline priorities for 2025,signaling likely policy and enforcement shifts across products,services,and digital platforms.

In a year when households grapple with higher living costs,the council argues that informed choices and fair rules are essential. the association emphasizes that collective consumer action can drive meaningful reforms, even where laws lag behind fast-changing markets.

1) Sunscreen testing and influencer transparency

Officials say tests on 20 sunscreen products revealed that several brands underperform relative to their advertising claims. The findings, produced in collaboration with a consumer foundation, have intensified scrutiny of influencer-lead promotions and product claims online.

The council is moving to draft an influencer-ethics framework. It would require clearer disclosures about sponsorships and more honest presentation of product effectiveness. Beyond sunscreens,the council highlights ongoing testing of other items,including personal care and air-purification devices,to help shoppers spot misleading labels and marketing.

2) Unfair contracts and lending practices

Attention is rising over contracts that may disadvantage borrowers. The council notes multiple cases involving high-interest terms and opaque agreement conditions that leave consumers with little room to bargain.

To date, the council has assisted more than a dozen borrowers who faced questionable contracts. A civil action has been filed against a lender accused of blank-signature documents and undisclosed or excessive interest. The goal is to secure fair refunds of unlawful charges and establish clearer standards for collateral rights and disclosures.

Work is also advancing on broader “Fair Contracts” across car leases, gold purchases, mobile services, and housing rentals.The council argues for clear terms and affordable prices, accompanied by enforceable protections against exploitative clauses.

3) Rising electricity costs and consumer access

Electricity prices remain a top concern for households nationwide. sence 2021, the council has pressed for fair pricing and more transparent explanations of how rates are set, stressing that energy costs reflect policy choices as much as consumption.

In 2025, the council continues to press regulators to illuminate rate structures and to ensure that consumers understand the links between pricing decisions and their monthly bills. The aim is to empower citizens to question decisions and advocate for a fair, stable energy market.

4) Neta electric cars and Samsung display flaws

Rising complaints about Neta electric vehicles include repair delays, scarce spare parts, and unclear remedies. With the company’s Chinese parent facing restructuring, many buyers fear limited post-purchase support.

In parallel, reports of Samsung smartphones displaying green lines soon after purchase have spurred negotiations with brands to secure remedies for affected customers, including potential class actions and better after-sales service.

Experts say the episodes underscore a long-standing gap in consumer protection for defective new products, highlighting calls to revive a “Lemon Law” style remedy framework that delivers timely, fair compensation for substandard goods.

5) Oppo and Realme loan apps: data and consent concerns

Pre-installed loan apps linked to popular brands have raised alarms over data collection and user consent. Victims report difficulty removing apps and fear about how personal data is used. Authorities are being urged to investigate data protections breaches and to require clearer consent and safer app practices.

Advocates urge brand owners to clarify operations and to remove problematic apps from devices without forcing users to visit service centers. A coordinated response from regulators and industry players is expected to strengthen data safeguards and consumer protections in digital ecosystems.

Key facts at a glance

Issue	Core Concerns	Council’s Stance	Possible Remedies
Sunscreen tests & influencer disclosures	Advertising claims vs.product performance	Improve transparency; draft influencer ethics	Clear disclosures; independent product testing
Unfair contracts & lending	High interest; blank-signature risks	Fairer terms; stronger contract standards	Refunds; revised disclosure rules; cap on abusive clauses
Electricity costs	Rising bills; rate structure complexity	explain pricing decisions; empower consumer questions	Transparent rate disclosures; regulatory accountability
Neta cars & Samsung screens	Defects; slow repairs; post-sale remedies	Safer,clearer remedies; potential Lemon Law revival	Class-action paths; spare-part price controls
Oppo/realme loan apps	Data risks; pre-installed apps	Stricter data protections; remove unsafe apps	Regulatory scrutiny; safer app practices

What this means for consumers now and tomorrow

Analysts say the five issues reflect a broader push toward transparent advertising,fair and enforceable contracts,and stronger safeguards in both physical and digital markets. If policymakers respond, Bangkok and nationwide shoppers could see swifter remedies for defective goods, clearer guidance on energy pricing, and more robust protections against invasive apps and misleading marketing.The council also underscores that consumer power grows when individuals band together to demand accountability, potentially guiding future laws and enforcement initiatives.

Evergreen takeaways for readers

Transparency, accountability, and accessible redress are the pillars of resilient consumer markets.Independent testing, clear product disclosures, and strong data protections help people make informed choices in an increasingly digital economy. While laws evolve, informed consumers can drive change by reporting bait-and-switch practices, demanding fair terms, and supporting policies that reduce data asymmetry.

Reader engagement

Which issue do you think should be the top priority for regulators this year, and why?

Have you encountered any of these concerns in the past year? Share your experience and what remedies worked for you.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about consumer-rights developments. For legal or financial advice, consult qualified professionals or the relevant authorities.

share this breaking update with friends and family to raise awareness. Leave your thoughts in the comments below to join the conversation.

For more context on Thailand’s consumer protection landscape, you can explore related official resources from energy and consumer-oversight agencies.

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1. Sunscreen Safety – What the 2025 Thai Regulation Means for You

* Key changes – The Ministry of Public Health tightened the Sunscreen Safety Act in March 2025, requiring all SPF products sold locally to carry a “Thai‑Approved” label and to list the exact concentration of oxybenzone and octinoxate.

* Why it matters – Recent studies by Chulalongkorn University linked unregulated UV filters to skin irritation and marine reef damage. Consumers now have legal grounds to demand refunds or replacements for non‑compliant products.

Practical Tips

1. Look for the “TH‑Sunscreen Certified” seal on packaging.
2. Scan the QR code on the label; it links to the Thai FDA database confirming batch approval.
3. Keep receipts for at least 90 days – the law allows a full refund if the product lacks proper certification.

benefit: By choosing certified sunscreen, you protect your skin, support reef‑friendly formulas, and avoid costly medical visits for allergic reactions.

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2.Unfair Loan Contracts – Spotting the Red Flags

* New Consumer Protection directive (June 2025) prohibits lenders from embedding hidden fees such as “processing surcharges” exceeding 5 % of the principal.

* Statistics: the Bank of Thailand reported a 12 % rise in consumer complaints about excessive interest rates in Q4 2025.

Red‑Flag Checklist

• Unclear APR: Lenders must disclose the Annual Percentage Rate in bold, legible font.
• pre‑payment penalties: Any charge for early repayment above 2 % is now illegal.
• Automatic renewal clauses: Must be highlighted; otherwise, the contract is voidable.

Case Study – Real‑World Example

In September 2025, Siam Finance was fined THB 8 million after the Office of the Consumer Protection Board found that 3,200 borrowers were charged undisclosed “administrative fees.” Affected customers successfully filed a group lawsuit, resulting in full restitution and a revised loan agreement template now used industry‑wide.

Action Steps

1. Request a written breakdown of all fees before signing.
2. Use the Thai Consumer Protection Center’s loan checklist (available online) to verify compliance.
3. Report violations to the OCPB via their 24‑hour helpline.

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3. Sky‑High Electricity Bills – Navigating the 2025 Tariff Surge

* Why bills jumped: The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) raised the residential tier‑2 tariff by 14 % in february 2025 due to soaring fuel import costs.

* Average impact: A typical Bangkok family now pays ≈ THB 4,200 per month, up from THB 3,700 in 2024.

Energy‑Saving Strategies

• Switch to LED lighting – reduces consumption by up to 80 %.
• Install smart thermostats – programmed to lower AC usage by 2 °C during off‑peak hours.
• Participate in the “Solar Rooftop Incentive” – qualifies for a 30 % rebate on installation costs (available until Dec 2025).

Real‑World Example

A condominium complex in Chiang Mai adopted a community solar micro‑grid in July 2025, cutting collective electricity costs by 27 % and qualifying for a THB 1.2 million tax credit.

Swift Wins

1. Audit your home – use the free EGAT online calculator to identify high‑consumption appliances.
2. Negotiate a payment plan – EGAT now offers a 0 % interest 12‑month deferral for bills exceeding THB 3,500.
3. Report billing errors within 30 days to avoid overcharges; the regulator mandates corrective action within 15 days.

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4. Mobile Data Privacy & App Scams – Protecting Your Digital Wallet

* Regulatory update: The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) introduced the “App Clarity Act” in April 2025, obligating developers to disclose data‑sharing practices and obtain explicit consent for location tracking.

* Consumer impact: A 2025 survey by the Thai internet association found 38 % of smartphone users experienced unauthorized charges from hidden in‑app purchases.

How to Stay Safe

• Check the “Permissions” screen before installing any app; deny access to contacts or SMS unless essential.
• Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on banking and e‑commerce apps.
• Use the “App Privacy Rating” displayed in the Google Play Store (new metric introduced by DEPA).

Case Study – Real Incident

In august 2025, the popular ride‑hailing app “GrabGo” was fined THB 5 million after investigations revealed it sold user travel data to third‑party advertisers without consent. Affected riders received compensation vouchers and the company revamped its privacy policy.

Immediate Actions

1. Review the privacy settings of all installed apps monthly.
2. Report suspicious billing activity to your mobile carrier’s fraud desk (available 24/7).
3. Download the “Thai Cyber‑Secure” app,which scans installed apps for compliance wiht the App Transparency Act.

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5. Plastic Packaging & single‑Use Ban Enforcement

* Legislative milestone: Thailand’s Plastic Waste Management Act entered full force on 1 january 2025, banning single‑use plastic bags, straws, and cutlery in all retail outlets.

* Enforcement: The Pollution Control Department (PCD) conducts surprise inspections; non‑compliant businesses face fines up to THB 100,000 per violation.

Consumer Benefits

• Reduced exposure to micro‑plastics in food packaging.
• Support for local startups producing biodegradable alternatives (e.g., corn‑based cutlery).

Practical Guidance

• Bring your own reusable bags – most supermarkets now offer a 10 % discount for customers who use them.
• Check product labeling for the “PCD‑Compliant” symbol indicating plastic‑free packaging.
• Report illegal plastic use via the PCD mobile app; a reward of THB 500 is granted for verified reports.

Real Example

A Bangkok convenience store chain, 7‑Eleven Thailand, switched to paper‑based coffee cups in March 2025, resulting in a 15 % drop in waste collection fees and a positive brand lift measured by a Nielsen consumer sentiment survey.

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6. Food Price Inflation – Navigating Grocery Bills in 2025

* Economic context: The National Economic and Social advancement Board (NESDB) recorded a 6.8 % year‑on‑year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food items in Q3 2025, driven by higher rice and meat prices.

Cost‑Saving Tips

1. Shop at local wet markets – prices are on average 12 % lower than supermarket chains.
2. Bulk‑buy staple grains – the Food Retail Association offers a loyalty card giving a 5 % discount on purchases over THB 5,000 per month.
3. Utilize government “Price Stabilisation Subsidy” for rice; eligible households receive a THB 1,200 credit per quarter.

Case Study

A family in Nakhon Ratchasima used the ThaiFoodSaver app to monitor weekly price fluctuations, switching to alternative proteins (e.g.,soy‑based patties) when pork prices spiked 20 %. Their monthly grocery bill dropped from THB 6,800 to THB 5,900.

Quick Checklist

• Compare price per kilogram rather than total package price.
• Review expiry dates to avoid waste and hidden costs.
• Register for the “Food Price Alert” SMS service from the Ministry of Commerce.

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7. Travel Refunds & Airline Cancellations – your Rights After 2025

* Regulation update: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) issued the “Air Passenger Protection Act” in February 2025, mandating full refunds for flights cancelled more than 48 hours before departure and compensation for denied boarding due to overbooking.

Key Consumer Entitlements

• Instant refund within 7 business days for cancelled tickets.
• Compensation up to THB 15,000 for re‑booking delays exceeding 6 hours.
• Right to choose between cash refund, voucher, or alternative routing.

Real‑World Example

In May 2025, Thai Airways cancelled over 300 flights due to a technical outage. The CAAT enforced THB 4.5 million in refunds and mandated a public apology on the airline’s website, prompting the carrier to upgrade its flight‑status notification system.

Action Plan for Travelers

1. Keep digital copies of tickets and booking confirmations.
2. Use the CAAT online portal to file a claim—upload evidence and receive a reference number instantly.
3. Follow up within 14 days; the regulator will intervene if the airline fails to comply.

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8. Digital Banking Fees & Hidden Charges – Decoding Your Account Statements

* Consumer protection law: The Banking Act Amendment 2025 requires all financial institutions to disclose any fee exceeding THB 100 in the monthly statement header.

* Common pain points: “Processing fees,” “maintenance charges,” and “foreign transaction surcharges” were cited in over 4,200 complaints to the Bank of Thailand in Q4 2025.

How to Spot Unfair Fees

• Review the “Fee Summary” section—should list each charge with a brief description.
• Cross‑check against the bank’s published fee schedule (available on the bank’s website).
• Set up alerts for any transaction exceeding your preset threshold (e.g.,THB 500).

Case Study

A Bangkok resident, Ananda Srisuk, discovered a recurring THB 250 “account maintenance” fee on his Kasikorn Bank savings account, despite the bank’s advertised “zero‑fee” policy. After filing a complaint through the Bank of Thailand’s e‑complaint portal, the bank refunded THB 3,000 (12 months) and removed the charge from all future statements.

Practical Tips

1. Switch to digital‑onyl accounts—many Thai banks now offer “no‑fee” e‑accounts with higher interest rates.
2. Negotiate fee waivers if you maintain a minimum balance (usually THB 50,000).
3. Use the “Fee Tracker” feature in the SCB Easy app to visualize fee breakdowns over the past six months.

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Quick Reference Table – 2025 Consumer Watchlist

Issue	Legal Change (2025)	Core Consumer Right	immediate Action
Sunscreen Safety	Thai‑Approved label required	Refund for non‑certified products	Scan QR code,keep receipt
Unfair Loan Contracts	Hidden fees >5 % banned	Void illegal clauses	Request written fee breakdown
Electricity Bills	Tier‑2 tariff +14 %	Appeal overcharge,solar rebate	Use EGAT calculator,join solar program
Mobile App Scams	App Transparency Act	Data‑sharing consent	Check permissions,use “Thai Cyber‑Secure”
Plastic Ban	Single‑use plastics banned	Fine for non‑compliant retailers	Use reusable bags,report violations
Food Inflation	CPI +6.8 %	Subsidies & discounts	Shop at wet markets, use price‑alert SMS
Travel Refunds	Air Passenger Protection Act	Full refunds & compensation	Keep ticket copies, file via CAAT portal
Digital banking Fees	Fee disclosure mandate	Transparency on charges	Review fee summary, use fee‑tracker apps

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Benefits of Staying Informed

• Financial savings: Avoid hidden fees, qualify for subsidies, and reduce utility costs.
• Legal protection: Knowing your rights enables swift claims and deters corporate misconduct.
• Health & environment: Choosing certified sunscreen and plastic‑free packaging supports personal wellbeing and Thailand’s sustainability goals.

final Practical Checklist (All Issues)

1. Verify certifications (sunscreen, app, plastic).
2. Document every transaction (receipts, statements).
3. Use official government portals for claims (OCPB, CAAT, DEPA).
4. Set up alerts (bank fees, electricity usage, food price changes).
5. Report violations promptly to the relevant authority.

By integrating these actions into daily routines, Thai consumers can safeguard their wallets, health, and rights amid the evolving regulatory landscape of 2025.