'Chaiyanat' reveals that illegal beauty clinics and unregistered drugs are widespread across the country, raising fears that Thai people will suffer increasing side effects. He urges the government to tighten control over medical devices and clinic locations.
On 22 May 2026 at the Democrat Party headquarters, Mr. Chaiyanat Dechdecho, the party's deputy leader, held a press conference expressing concern for the safety of citizens using beauty clinic services, following numerous complaints about illegal clinics and the use of substandard drugs.
Mr. Chaiyanat stated that from the data examined, three main irregularities were found in the beauty industry:
1. Drugs and medical supplies: The use of botox, fillers, and anesthetics lacking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval mark was detected.
2. Medical devices: Some clinics used medical devices that were not authorized for patient use.
3. Clinic locations: Many clinics operated in areas not permitted for healthcare businesses.
"We see daily reports of harm caused by facial injections or botched surgeries, which severely affect the public. Especially concerning are anesthetics applied topically before procedures. Did you know that in Thailand, only one brand of anesthetic has FDA approval, with another recently imported from Korea? Yet, most of what is used widely is illegal," Mr. Chaiyanat said.
The deputy leader of the Democrat Party added that even more alarming was the discovery that some clinics injected substances intended only for external use into patients, which is illegal and extremely dangerous. Previously, victims typically filed complaints with the Consumer Protection Board, but now cases have been brought to the Democrat Party, which will promptly forward the information to the Public Health Committee for thorough investigation and prosecution.