Illegal Products from China Seized at Bangkok Warehouses
Consumer protection police have confiscated more than 10 million baht worth of unapproved products smuggled from China in a major raid on two warehouses in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district.
The operation took place on Monday following investigations that identified the warehouses in Samae Dam as storage hubs for contraband goods. Acting on intelligence, police executed a search warrant and uncovered a large quantity of items spanning multiple product categories.
Among the seized items were household goods such as mosquito repellents and disinfectants, personal care and cosmetic products including hair dye, sanitary pads, and lipstick, as well as food items like puddings and fruit juices. None of the products carried the mandatory Thai-language labels or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration numbers, raising serious safety concerns.
Deputy Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho, speaking on Tuesday, emphasized that the raid was prompted by consumer complaints. Shoppers who had purchased these products online grew suspicious of their origins and lack of labeling, leading them to report their concerns to authorities.
“The seized goods had not been inspected or approved for sale in Thailand. Without FDA certification, there is no guarantee of safety, and they could pose health risks to consumers,” Mr. Chaichana explained.
The case has now been transferred to the Consumer Protection Police Division, who will pursue legal proceedings against those involved in the smuggling and distribution of the products.
FDA deputy secretary-general Withid Sariddeechaikool also issued a reminder to the public to remain vigilant when shopping, especially on online platforms. “Before buying, check for Thai-language labels and the FDA logo. These indicators show that the product has been reviewed, approved, and meets safety standards. If such details are missing, the product should not be trusted,” he warned.
The seizure highlights growing concerns about illegal imports entering Thailand through e-commerce channels. With online shopping becoming increasingly popular, unscrupulous sellers are exploiting the market to offload unregistered products that bypass regulatory checks.
Authorities have pledged to tighten inspections and monitoring efforts to safeguard consumers. The FDA is also working to educate the public on how to identify legal and safe products. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious goods to the FDA or the Consumer Protection Police to help curb the spread of unsafe items.
The raid in Bang Khun Thian serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit and unapproved products. While lower prices and easy access may tempt buyers, the hidden dangers of unregulated items can far outweigh the initial savings. Officials stress that consumer awareness and cooperation remain key to preventing health hazards and supporting ongoing enforcement operations.
