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What recourse do I have if a commissioned carpenter in Thailand fails to deliver the work as agreed?

dispute resolution Thailand consumer protection commissioned work carpentry issues legal recourse in Thailand FB Marketplace transactions Thailand expat advice

Apr 24, 2022

4 years ago

Rollo ************************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey Fam:  I placed an order on FB Marketplace to have a big ticket item commissioned for my kitchen. The carpenter who’s Thai is in a different province from me which is more than 2hrs away. I paid a deposit and the work was done but completely wrong!! It’s 5 alarm style and no where in the ballpark on build, colors, or materials. It’s like Mr. Magoo did the work. 

My Question is... short of driving there to involve the police (because Thai police and legal system is nothing like America’s), what recourse do I have if any to recover my money?  We’ve given this guy 90 days to make things right and not a single payment or installment has been made. Is it a typical situation in 🇹🇭 of screwed as usual or is there something that can be done?... [Please I don’t need comments from the peanut gallery, I just need to know if I have recourse or if I’m royally screwed— Thanks 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user shares their experience of hiring a Thai carpenter through FB Marketplace, only to receive a poorly executed product despite paying a deposit. They express frustration and seek advice on potential recourse without involving the police. Comments suggest filing a consumer protection complaint, emphasizing the importance of documentation, and note the common wisdom of avoiding full payment before project completion.

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Rollo ************************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you everyone.

@Bobby *******

has presented the best answer therefore I’m going to close commenting. I wasn’t aware they offered consumer protection in Thailand with the way the country seems to run. We’ve also involved other agencies and I’m sure the results are gonna be decent. Thank you all 🙏

4 years ago

Joseph *********

Never pay before finished 😏

4 years ago

Rollo ************************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Joseph ********

agreed!! I didn’t. However, it did require a deposit as is typical with jobs in Thailand. They typically don’t have the money to finance their own work first— 🤷🏾‍♂️

4 years ago

Reply to

Rollo ************************

Bobby ********

Start here. Lodge your complaint. First thing they do is arrange mediation. Make sure you have all the relevant quotes, documents etc. Thailand are sticklers for paperwork

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4 years ago

Rollo ************************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bobby *******

Thank you!!

4 years ago

Reply to

Rollo ************************

Michael ********

Did you make a contract with drawing ?

Thats what i do.

4 years ago

Rollo ************************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

funny part is, the day he finished I was getting new tires. I presented the photos to the Thai woman whose husband was doing my tires and her face and question said it all— 😂 😆 😂 She was as shocked 😳 as me— 😝

4 years ago

Rollo ************************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

Great Q and yes!! He assured me he could do it for less than the original designer and all of the work he presented and still presents on FB Marketplace looks nice. Maybe it’s not his work or maybe his ability is limited. I’m no expert but black granite is totally different from white marble!!! And staining is completely different from, whatever mess this character did. Quality work is different from whatever uneven mess this is he assembled. I’m sure the evidence will speak for itself unless the Thai person reviewing this case when I find the right someone to is abnormal too— 😂

4 years ago

Evan ********

yes agree if you actually had detailed drawings and even a 3d mock up you’d have some means if backing up what you wanted.

4 years ago

Reply to

Evan ********

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