CIB and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided a factory producing fake monosodium glutamate (MSG) and seasoning powders in central Bangkok. The factory secretly produced products for sale across provinces. Authorities seized evidence valued at nearly 2 million baht, revealing daily production of 1,500 packets distributed through well-known markets and private transport services.
On 17 April, at the second-floor conference room of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commissioner of the CIB, Pol. Maj. Gen. Tatsapoom Jaruprat, Commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), Pol. Col. Phattharawut Onchuay, Deputy Commander of ECD, Pol. Col. Phuwadet Julkasawi, Chief of Division 1 ECD, Pol. Lt. Col. Wiwatnchai Kluenkaew, Deputy Chief of Division 1 ECD, together with Pharmacist Suphattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, and Pharmacist Lertchai Lertwuti, Deputy Secretary-General, jointly announced the results of the Take Down operation targeting a major counterfeit MSG and seasoning powder production network. After expanding investigations, authorities arrested an interprovincial network and seized a large batch of evidence valued at nearly 2 million baht.
Pol. Lt. Col. Wiwatnchai disclosed that this operation followed the arrest of small-scale sellers in Chaiyaphum province. Over more than three months, authorities traced the distribution routes and discovered a large clandestine production site hidden in Soi Sakaengam 50, Samut Sam Dam Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok. Evidence was gathered, and search warrants were obtained to inspect three locations.
On 25 March, officers conducting surveillance spotted a suspicious closed pickup truck leaving the soi. Following it to a gas station in Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province, they found Mr. Uthis (surname withheld) driving. Inside the vehicle were large quantities of fake MSG and seasoning powders. He was immediately arrested.
Subsequently, officers from Division 1 of the ECD, together with FDA personnel, raided a residence in Soi Sakaengam 50, where they found Mr. Kriangkrai (surname withheld) and three employees clandestinely producing counterfeit MSG and seasoning powders imitating popular brands. They used substandard raw materials and unsanitary facilities as their production site.
During interrogation, Mr. Kriangkrai confessed to illegally producing counterfeit products for over two years. Production was done on customer orders with a capacity of about 1,500 packets daily. After production, products were picked up at roadside meeting points or sent via private transport companies to avoid inspections. Regular customer networks distributed the products in Bang Khae and Nong Khaem markets.
Initially, authorities arrested seven suspects and seized evidence including 4,804 packets of fake MSG, 1,532 packets of fake seasoning powder, as well as raw materials and production equipment, totaling more than 24,918 items. Charges include manufacturing and possessing counterfeit goods bearing fake trademarks, using others' trademarks to deceive consumers, producing and selling food with false labeling, and producing counterfeit food. The suspects and evidence were handed over to investigators of Division 1, ECD, for legal prosecution.
FDA officials warned the public to be cautious when purchasing products, especially seasoning types, which are frequently counterfeited. They advised consumers to carefully check the source, labels, and food registration numbers to ensure safety.