Thai government minister Supamas Isarabhakdi inspected gold shops in Bangkok's Yaowarat area to verify gold ornament standards and reassure consumers amid volatile prices. The inspection, a collaboration between the OCPB, Gold Traders Association, and the National Gemstone and Jewelry Research and Development Institute, aims to ensure consumers receive properly labeled gold meeting quality standards. The initiative also includes public education about gold investments and fraud prevention.
On April 29 at 9:30 AM, Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, conducted an inspection of gold ornament standards and collected random gold samples in the Yaowarat area to build public confidence amid volatile gold prices.
She personally led the inspection at Chin Hua Heng Gold Shop and collected ornamental gold samples before deploying work teams and relevant agencies to inspect other gold shops in the area. Participating shops included Thong Yai Yaowarat (1988), Hua Seng Heng, Lang Hong, Sow Seng Heng, Yu Long Kim Kee, and Buan Hua Luang (2490) gold shops.
The inspection team included Ranrong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, Chitti Tangsittipakdi, Chairman of the Gold Traders Association, and Sumet Prasangphongchai, Director of the National Gemstone and Jewelry Research and Development Institute (Public Organization). The inspections aimed to assure consumers that gold sold meets quality standards and proper labeling requirements.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Gold Traders Association, the National Gemstone and Jewelry Research and Development Institute, and the OCPB, targeting improvements in Thai gold ornament standards regarding weight, purity, product labeling, and quality assurance processes. Random samples will be thoroughly tested to guarantee compliance with established standards.
Supamas noted that tensions in the Middle East have caused volatile gold prices and increased investment in gold. The OCPB partnered with the Gold Traders Association and the National Gemstone and Jewelry Research and Development Institute to randomly inspect gold ornaments in shops to protect the industry and reassure consumers they would receive gold meeting standards for purity, weight, and fair pricing without exploitation.
Meanwhile, the OCPB will actively educate the public on gold investment to prevent consumer fraud in both retail and online purchases. Anyone experiencing scams or unfair treatment in gold transactions can report to the OCPB immediately, which will ensure justice for consumers at all stages.
In consumer protection efforts, the OCPB has proactively addressed multiple issues including flight cancellations, fraudulent tours, misrepresented online products, and electric vehicle sales requiring proper labeling, with ongoing field monitoring. Consumers can file complaints through the OCPB hotline 1166 or the OCPB Connect application.