On September 25, Koosalwat Inthuchunthong, the Attorney General of the Office for Consumer Protection and Legal Assistance, commented on the controversial case involving “แม่ตั๊ก” selling gold via live streaming. He highlighted potential violations of the Consumer Protection Act, particularly Section 47, which imposes penalties for misleading advertising regarding the origin, quality, and other essential characteristics of products.
Koosalwat explained that misleading information can lead to imprisonment of up to six months or fines of 100,000 baht, with stricter penalties for repeated offenses. Section 52 states that selling products without proper labeling or using incorrect labels can also incur similar penalties. Clear communication regarding the gold’s composition and weight is crucial to avoid legal issues.
In terms of ongoing cases, he noted that if the seller fails to clearly state the price and the live videos are saved, these could serve as evidence for prosecution. If the seller claims that purchasers can resell the gold at the same price, it could be seen as a measure to mitigate damages.
Koosalwat mentioned that if no consumers file complaints, the situation may not escalate, but if complaints arise, it may lead to investigations on potential fraud or deception charges, depending on whether facts were concealed during the sales process.
The article also touched on cases of consumers mistakenly reporting the gold as fake and potential countersuits for defamation from sellers. Such legal actions would require sellers to reflect on their sales practices and transparency. Consumers can defend themselves against defamation claims if their statements are factual and protect their interests.
Furthermore, sellers are advised to seek legal guidance regarding online sales compliance. They can consult with the attorney’s office at 1157 for assistance.
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This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
