Bangkok: Supamas is taking action against "Chang Nueng," a contractor accused of defrauding 60 victims of 45 million baht through a fraudulent home construction scheme. The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has summoned him to clarify the facts on May 12th.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Suphamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), addressed the progress in the case of Mr. Kriengkrai Rawai Klang, or "Chang Nueng." Mr. Klang, a house construction contractor, and owner of the Facebook page "Wan Jieb House Construction," later changed to "Chang Nueng House Construction," became a major news story on the "Hone Krasae" program on May 6th. More than 60 victims from the northeastern provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, and Sisaket have been identified, with total damages exceeding 45 million baht. Ms. Suphamas has instructed the OCPB to immediately send officers to investigate and gather the facts.
The contractor's method involved showcasing images of other people's house designs on their Facebook page, offering construction prices of 9,000 to 10,000 baht per square meter, along with promotions including free air conditioners and water heaters. Consumers were deceived into transferring large deposits ranging from 500,000 baht to full cash payments in the millions. After receiving the money, the contractor would only construct the beams, erect the steel frame, or just the roof, then abandon the project. This left victims with significant financial losses, with some losing their life savings and suffering severe stress, leading to deaths.
The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has summoned Mr. Kriengkrai to meet with officials this Tuesday at 9:30 AM at the CPB office. He is required to present all information on the victims, provide further clarification on the facts, discuss compensation for the victims, and if any legal violations are found, legal action will be taken, both civil and criminal.
Ms. Suphamas emphasized the importance of public awareness, advising that before signing a construction contract, individuals should carefully check whether the contract contains all the items as per the Consumer Protection Board's regulations. She highlighted the need for payment installments to be proportionate to the work progress and cautioned against paying a large lump sum deposit in advance that exceeds the proportion of work completed.