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The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Abstract

Background: In Thailand, consumer protection activities are carried out by government agencies, civic groups, and academic institutions. However, there has been no development of National Consumer Protection Indicators to assess and monitor the effectiveness of consumer protection activities and to forecast their future development. This study aimed to develop Thai consumer protection indicators (TCPI) aligned with international standards and to analyze the current situation of consumer protection in Thailand. Methods: This study was conducted with two qualitative methods (documentary research and group discussion) and held between August 2022 and October 2023. The process of developing a National Consumer Protection Indicator involved reviewing the indicators related to consumer protection in Thailand and abroad. Six meetings were established with experts from agencies and institutions responsible for consumer protection to draft the framework of consumer protection indicators. The indicators were developed and amended. The situation of consumer protection in Thailand was derived from information presented to the public by relevant agencies. Finally, an on-site expert meeting was implemented to determine the quality of the final draft of the TCPI. Results: The Consumer Protection Indicators consisted of five components with a total of 28 indicators: (1) Consumer empowerment and confidence component with five indicators, (2) mechanisms for consumer protection and enforcement component with 11 indicators, (3) consumer knowledge and information component with four indicators, (4) sustainability for consumers component with six indicators, and (5) technology and innovation for consumers component with two indicators. The situation of consumer protection in Thailand presented that (1) consumer councils and provincial agencies have significantly participated in shaping public policies, but their numbers are still insufficient; (2) there are contemporary laws for consumer protection and effective enforcement, as well as regional product standards development. The complaint systems vary in terms of comprehensiveness and processing time; (3) there is provision of consumer protection education both within and outside the education system, ensuring public awareness properly, but lacking in depth and breadth; (4) government agencies recognize the importance of sustainable consumption, but business sectors’ interest is still limited. Local governments have sustainable consumption policies in place, and some industrial groups have self-regulatory ethical standards; (5) Thai people have high access to the Internet, but it is unclear whether this access is more beneficial or harmful. There is some beneficial software for people, although there is a lack of centralized repositories to be widely disseminated. Conclusions: The creation of the TCPI marks a starting point toward the development of consumer protection work for the genuine benefit of the public.

DOI

10.56808/3027-7922.2863

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