BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai has instructed the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to summon representatives from smartphone brands OPPO and Realme for clarification regarding pre-installed loan applications on their devices. The meeting is set for January 14, following reports from users who discovered a loan application named “Sin Chuea Khwam Suk” (Happiness Loan) or “Fineasy” embedded as a system app.
Users have raised concerns about the application, which cannot be uninstalled, sends notifications encouraging loans, and accesses personal data without user consent. These privacy and safety issues have led to demands for accountability from the manufacturers.
The OCPB has been tasked with investigating the issue and has invited other smartphone manufacturers to discuss measures for safeguarding consumer rights. The OCPB is coordinating with agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Bank of Thailand, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to address potential violations and improve industry practices.
Consumers impacted by the issue are encouraged to file complaints with the OCPB through its online system or mobile app, OCPB Connect. Assistance is also available via the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1166. (NNT)
