Thailand’s New Debt Collection Act

What is a Debt Collector?

By definition, a debt collector is a creditor who makes a loan to a debtor. It’s important to note that the loan can be legal or illegal. Furthermore, a debt collector is also classified as any person engaged or employed in the business of debt collection. Any person that works as a debt collector must register with the Fiscal Policy Office and pay a fee that is set in accordance with government regulations.

Restrictions Under the Debt Collection Act

By law, debt collectors are only allowed to communicate with the debtor or the debtor’s lawyer. Also, a debt collector is only allowed to contact the third party to learn the debtor’s location. The debt collector is also limited to identifying his identity as well as inquiring with a third party to find the debtor’s whereabouts. It is not legal for the debt collector to tell the third party that the debtor owes a debt unless it is the debtor’s spouse, child, or parent.

Rules of Debt Collection

The debt collector is only allowed to contact the debtor between 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday. During holidays, the hours of contact are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Additionally, the debt collector can only contact the debtor at a place or location given to the debt collector.

A lawyer of a debt collector must state their name or agency, full amount of the debt as well as the name of the creditor. The only way that a debt collector can collect the amount in person is to show the power of attorney to the debtor.

It is also extremely important to note that the debt collector is prohibited from using threats, abusive language, or violence towards the debtor. The debt collector is also forbidden from stating falsehoods such as allowing the debtor to believe that the debt collection has come from a court order, a government official, or another lawyer.

Seeking Legal Counsel Regarding the New Debt Collection Act

The New Debt Collection Act is complex, and can be very confusing for a debtor who owes money to a debt collector. While it is always advisable to only take a loan from a reputable lender, the Debt Collection Act does provide a measure of protection for those who did not have this option to begin with.

Harwell Legal International Law Office is Thailand’s premier international law office in Phuket. Our team of experienced lawyers is able to provide friendly, professional services with measured results. If you are in need of legal counsel regarding debt collection or the Debt Collection Act, reach out to us via email at office@harwell-legal.com We will do our best to ensure you get friendly service while resolving any debt collection issues you might have.

Thailand’s new Debt Collection Act aims to protect consumers from unfair practices by debt collectors. By definition, a debt collector in Thailand can be a creditor who has made a loan, either legal or illegal, or any person engaged in the business of debt collection. The Act imposes restrictions on collectors, allowing them to communicate only with the debtor or their lawyer, and contact third parties solely to determine the debtor’s location. It also establishes fair rules for debt collection, including permitted contact hours and prohibition of threats, abusive language, or falsehoods. For comprehensive understanding and guidance on the new Debt Collection Act in Thailand, Harwell Legal International is available to provide professional services.

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