Supamas Orders Task Force to Assist Tourists and Injured in Pattaya Hotel Fire
A fire at a Pattaya hotel on May 21 trapped tourists and injured four people; Thai authorities have set up an emergency complaint center to help affected guests pursue compensation and medical coverage from the hotel.
On May 22, 2569, Supamas Israbhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), ordered the establishment of an emergency complaint center in Pattaya to protect consumer rights following the fire at Sunday J.A. Plus Hotel on Pattaya Soi 3 in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri on May 21 evening.
Many Thai and foreign tourists were trapped in the building, with four people sustaining injuries—three guests and one hotel employee.
OCPB Secretary-General Rannrong Poolpipat was tasked to coordinate with the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Public Works and Urban Planning Department, Insurance Commission Pattaya office, and consumer advocacy organizations as representatives of the public to support affected parties. The Regional Consumer Protection Division and affiliated OCPB offices, the Chon Buri Consumer Protection Sub-Committee, and Chon Buri Dharma Center have begun fact-finding investigations and are implementing urgent remedial measures.
Support is being divided into two groups: 1) Those hospitalized with injuries, whose medical expenses and compensation will be covered by the hotel; 2) Those who booked rooms after the incident and are concerned about building safety—the hotel will offer full refunds.
The hotel has evacuated all 240 guests to nearby hotels. The fire's cause is under investigation by the Forensic Science Unit 2.
Supamas expressed concern for all injured parties and affected tourists, noting that hotel guests are consumers entitled to safety and compensation. She ordered the OCPB to establish the emergency complaint center on-site so affected guests can file claims locally without traveling far or waiting long. Staff will help negotiate compensation and advise foreign tourists on consumer rights.
If negotiations fail and consumers receive inadequate compensation, the OCPB is prepared to pursue legal action on their behalf at no cost under Section 39 of the Consumer Protection Act, B.E. 2522.
Affected consumers can file complaints at the emergency complaint center in Pattaya, call the OCPB hotline 1166, use the OCPB Connect application, visit ocpb.go.th, or contact national Dharma Centers nationwide.
