The Consumer Protection Council of Thailand issued a clarification regarding the payment of tips in restaurants. A widespread message indicates that catering establishments can charge an additional service fee of 10% of the order value only in cases where the customer is clearly demonstrated the service provided.
At the same time, the service fee included in the check is not a tip that the visitor pays voluntarily and in the amount chosen by himself for the quality of service. The amount of such a fee is not more than 10%, and it is not obligatory for payment by the client.
The clarification says that even before paying, the client must receive full information about what he is offered to pay for. In case of exceeding the established norms of the fee or hiding its value in the check, customers have the legal right to demand the protection of their rights to the Department of Internal Trade, including the hotline 1166.
The issue of the obligation to pay for services has recently been raised at the highest level and has been the subject of discussion. Ex-senator Jermsak Pington, in particular, stated that restaurants have no legal rights to demand payment, since they do not provide any additional services to visitors except for providing dishes.
