Bangkok: A special committee is set to be established to address the ongoing "OPPO-realme" issue involving illegal loan applications, following an intensive 2.5-hour meeting called by Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting brought together relevant agencies to discuss the implications of OPPO and Realme mobile phones allegedly pre-installed with unauthorized loan apps. Ms. Jiraporn emphasized the urgency of submitting detailed information regarding the number of affected devices and individuals by tomorrow. She stated that any loans with interest rates exceeding 15% would necessitate accountability and suggested that mobile phone companies also bear responsibility for supporting such practices. The current legal framework was criticized for its inefficacy, prompting the need for a multi-dimensional approach.
The Consumer Protection Board had previously invited OPPO and Realme to clarify their positions, while the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Technology Crime Investigation Police gathered relevant data. As a temporary measure, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society coordinated with the companies to remove the apps, with results expected by tomorrow. Despite the lack of enforceable laws, cooperation is being sought to mitigate potential damages.
Ms. Jiraporn highlighted the limitations of existing laws, which only allow the NBTC to inspect hardware, not software. The discussion concluded with a proposal to form a committee to address these regulatory gaps proactively. Two types of problematic apps were identified: pre-installed apps that infringe on personal rights and downloadable apps from stores. The Bank of Thailand is reviewing mechanisms to regulate loans with interest rates above 15%.
Public complaints have been categorized into two parts: those handled by the Consumer Protection Board for civil cases and consumer rights, and those managed by the Consumer Protection Police Division. Ms. Jiraporn indicated that if complaints reveal loans exceeding legal interest rates, the apps would be in violation of the Banking Act. Initial findings suggest that while FinEasy is an advertising platform, Happiness Loan operates as a lending app without necessary permissions.
Inquiries into app origin and installation remain ongoing, with the Technology Crime Suppression Division setting a deadline for further investigation. If loan interest rates are found to surpass legal limits, both OPPO and Realme, along with their distributors, could face legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines.
The NBTC's coordination efforts are expected to reveal the number of affected devices tomorrow. Approximately 20 complaints have been filed with the Consumer Protection Board, with additional reports to the Consumer Council. Ms. Jiraporn assured that all available legal measures would be employed to protect consumers, and coordination with relevant agencies would be pursued for issues beyond the board's authority.
In response to concerns over continued debt demands via Line messages, Ms. Jiraporn announced plans to establish a committee to address legal loopholes and improve enforcement through an integrated approach.