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Published on September 7, 2007

"I'm half-way through my fight," said the owner, who claimed he had experienced a whole host of problems with the sedan he bought from SMT Leasing Co on Srinakarin Road.

On September 4, the court took up his case against Siam Nissan Automobile (SNA) Co, and SMT Leasing Co.

For Suraphong, the charge is based on fraud and deception.

He told The Nation the car he bought from them was of low-quality, which contrasted with the advertisements promoting the car appearing on television, newspapers and radio, claiming the Nissan Tiida was a car with unexpectedly good quality and perfect security systems.

According to his repair record at the Siam Nissan SMT Services Co, he said the car had been continually fixed for broken parts since July 7, 2006 including the doors, brakes, electrics, air conditioning system and the engine.

Arthit Ritthironk, a legal officer of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board said he had never known any criminal case regarding the car trade, but only civil ones.

Suraphong said an executive of SNA had told him the company would compensate Suraphong and change the car or buy it back for the price he bought it - which was Bt737,000.

But Surpahong wants the company to compensate him for the Bt200,000 he has spent on repairing the car and to pay the interest rate and his lawyer.

According to a spokesman from SNA, the company had been informed about the case, although it had not yet received the details.

"We are unable to comment on the case accurately at the moment. After we get the exact details we will be able to make an official response," he said.

However, he said SNA had taken "good care" of this particular customer and previously suggested offering a large amount of compensation but the customer had declined.

"Apparently the customer had wanted more compensation than we could offer," he added.

"If I win, I will press forward for compensation. But if I lose, I won't appeal. I just want to try my luck as many people have said these multinational companies rarely experience a criminal charge," Suraphong said.

Wannapa Phetdee

 The Nation