Authorities on Tuesday conducted inspections on businesses, manufacturers, and distributors of gems and jewelry products in Bangkok following complaints from tourists.
The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) joined hands with relevant agencies including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Tourist Police, the Department of Internal Trade, and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand.
This action followed complaints from tourists being deceived into purchasing fake diamonds and counterfeit jewelry, including instances where jewelry shops, in collaboration with tour operators, took tourists to buy non-standard jewelry.
During the inspections, certifications for jewelry and product labels were examined, and advice was provided to business operators, including standards for ensuring tourists receive quality products at fair prices.
Deputy Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board Pol. Col. Prateep Charoengul emphasized that jewelry falls under the jurisdiction of the OCPB regarding product labeling. It is required that labels comply with specified standards, including information about the seller and product details, to instill confidence in both businesses and consumers and prevent exploitation.
Business operators are reminded to comply with OCPB regulations regarding the sale of jewelry products. Violators face penalties of up to one year imprisonment and fines not exceeding 200,000 baht for manufacturers and up to six months imprisonment and fines not exceeding 100,000 baht for sellers.
Consumers who have been deceived when purchasing products have the option to report complaints to the police or inform the OCPB hotline at 1166 or through the website www.ocpb.go.th for online complaint submission. (TNA)
