The Ministry of Public Health, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), together with the Royal Thai Police, destroyed nearly 40 tons of illegal health products valued at over 250 million baht.
On 25 Dec, Associate Professor Dr. Akkaranan Ariyasripong, advisor to the Deputy Minister of Public Health, said that the Ministry of Public Health, via the FDA, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Police—specifically the Central Investigation Bureau, the Consumer Protection Police Division, and the Narcotics Suppression Division 1—has been proactively cracking down on violations involving health products by producers, importers, and sellers. After legal proceedings against offenders conclude, seized illegal products become property of the Ministry. Most are illicitly produced or imported without permission, lack Thai labels, and are unsafe for consumption. Since they cannot be used, they must be destroyed by incineration. This time, a total of 1,967 items from 202 cases were destroyed: 88 cases involved cosmetics, 63 food, 48 drugs, 2 medical devices, and 1 hazardous substance case.
Pharmacist Suphattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the FDA, said today's destruction demonstrates the FDA and police's firm commitment to uprooting illegal products. They want consumers to trust that all seized items will be properly disposed of and will not re-enter the market, protecting public health and safety. Consumers who encounter illegal production, importation, or sale of health products can report tips via the FDA hotline 1556, email 1556@fda.moph.go.th, Line @FDAThai, Facebook FDAThai, mailing address PO Box 1556, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11004, or any provincial public health office nationwide for legal action.
Police Lieutenant General Natthasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, said as a law enforcement agency working with the FDA to oversee health products in the market, he emphasizes to all producers, importers, and sellers not to distribute illegal or substandard products to consumers. If violations occur, the Consumer Protection Police Division will collaborate with the FDA in strict proactive enforcement against offenders. Consumers can trust the government's serious efforts and legal actions will be taken fully to prevent illegal health products from remaining in Thai society. Anyone witnessing other legal violations can report tips anytime via the Consumer Protection Police hotline 1135 or the Consumer Protection Police warning page.