BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities have seized more than 118,000 counterfeit cosmetics and hair-care products during a raid on a warehouse in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district, marking a major crackdown on the illegal distribution of fake consumer goods sold through online platforms.
The operation was carried out by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) following weeks of investigation into the nationwide sale of counterfeit cosmetics. According to officials, the seized items were valued at more than 10 million baht and included fake products falsely branded as well-known and trusted names in the cosmetics and personal care industry.
Police said the warehouse served as a central storage and distribution hub for the illegal operation. From there, counterfeit goods were packed and shipped directly to customers across Thailand after being sold online. Authorities believe the network was run by a Chinese national, though further investigations are underway to identify additional individuals involved.
The case originated after authorities received reports of widespread online sales of counterfeit “Lyo” herbal shampoo. Further inquiries revealed that the products were not genuine and had likely been illegally imported from overseas. Investigators then expanded the probe, uncovering a much larger operation dealing in a variety of fake cosmetics and hair-care items.
Officials stated that the network had been operating for approximately six months. During that time, it is estimated to have sold between 500 and 1,000 counterfeit items per day, generating significant illegal revenue. The scale of the operation raised serious concerns about consumer safety, as counterfeit cosmetics may contain unsafe or unregulated ingredients that pose health risks.
Investigators also revealed that the group used several methods to evade law enforcement. These included frequently rotating bank accounts, regularly relocating storage locations, and repeatedly changing shop names on online marketplaces. Such tactics made it more difficult to trace financial transactions and link sales to a single operation.
During the raid, officers confiscated large quantities of counterfeit goods, packaging materials, and evidence related to online sales and logistics. The seized items will be examined further as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities said efforts are continuing to trace the financial networks behind the operation and to identify additional suspects, including suppliers and distributors. Charges related to intellectual property violations, illegal importation, and consumer protection laws are expected.
The CIB emphasized that the sale of counterfeit cosmetics not only harms legitimate businesses but also puts consumers at risk. Police urged members of the public to purchase personal care products only from trusted retailers and to report suspicious or unusually cheap products sold online.
The raid underscores Thailand’s continued efforts to combat counterfeit goods and online fraud, particularly as e-commerce platforms continue to grow. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting consumers and enforcing laws against intellectual property violations nationwide.
