Workshop on cross-border consumer dispute resolution

In the ambit of the consumer’s day 2023 celebrations in Thailand, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board of Thailand in co-operation with UNCTAD has organized a workshop on Cross-border Consumer Dispute Resolution. 

The workshop includes the launch of Report on national framework for consumer dispute resolution in cross-border e-commerce in Thailand prepared by consultants Dr.Jutmas Thirawat, and Dr.Supruet Thavornyutikarn of Thamamsat University.

Section VI of the United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection, which encompasses Guidelines 79 to 94, is dedicated to international cooperation. In 2015, the guidelines were amended to include provisions for cross-border enforcement in this section among other reviewed topics. Member states were encouraged to "develop, review, maintain or strengthen, as appropriate, mechanisms for the exchange of information on national policies and measures in the field of consumer protection." Such mechanisms would promote cooperation with foreign consumer protection enforcement agencies and other relevant foreign counterparts, with the aim of combating fraudulent and deceptive cross-border commercial practices.

The United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection recognize the importance of international cooperation in protecting the rights and interests of consumers worldwide. The guidelines emphasize the need for member states to establish effective mechanisms for sharing information on their respective consumer protection policies and measures. This would facilitate collaboration with foreign counterparts in combating cross-border commercial practices that are fraudulent or deceptive. The guidelines encourage member states to review and enhance existing mechanisms as necessary, to ensure that they are robust and effective. Ultimately, such cooperation can help to promote fair and transparent trade practices, which benefit consumers and businesses alike.

Considering the key-findings of the UNCTAD's Voluntary Peer Review on Consumer Protection Law and Policy of Thailand,  and the of Report on national framework for consumer dispute resolution in cross-border e-commerce in Thailand, the workshop aims to compare and contrast the design and implementation of CDR systems and ecosystems and identify their advantages, challenges, and good practices to draw out lessons learnt.

This activity is destined to members and civil servants of the Consumer Protection Board, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, consumer associations and invited relevant stakeholders as regulators and members of the judiciary. 

Participants / Invitees / Panellists

•    Dr. Wimonrat Teriyapirom, Director of International Cooperation, Office of the Consumer Protection Board, OCPB, Thailand
•    Manop Pisetkul, Plan and Policy Analyst, Office of the Consumer Protection Board, Thailand
•    Dr.Jutmas Thirawat, Lecturer, Thamamsat University Thailand 
•    Dr.Supruet Thavornyutikarn, Lecturer, Thamamsat University 
•    Mr. Marcus Isgren, Chairman and Head of the General Complaints Board, ARN, Sweden
•    Ana Cipriano, Legal Officer, UNCTAD 
•    Arnau Izaguerri, Legal Officer, UNCTAD