A rights and liberties protection group on Friday petitioned the Office of the Ombudsman to consider if the 2002 Credit Information Business Act violates the constitution.
Weerasak Uppatham, the group leader, said about 20 million people have been blacklisted by the National Credit Bureau established under the law, making it difficult forthem to obtain loans.
The National Credit Bureau is seen as the main obstacle for all non-performing loan (NPL) borrowers who are blacklisted and cannot start a new life as the Bank of Thailand does not allow commercial banks to extend loans to NPL borrowers.
People have to resort to loan sharks and in some cases are forced to turn to illegal activities to earn money to pay debts.
Domestic money circulation in the economy was partly paralysed because of the bureau’s blacklist of 20 million debtors, Mr Weerasak said.
He said the law could violate Sections 43 and 84 of the charter which guarantee people’s rights to make a living and do business in a free and fair manner.
Chalermsak Chantharathim, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, said the agency will see if the law violates the charter. If there are grounds for the complaint, the office will refer it to the Constitution Court.