Supamas has joined forces with the OCPB, FDA, Consumer Protection Police, ETDA, and police to continue investigating the case of "Nong Nam," who died from diet supplements containing sibutramine. However, the sellers remain free. Consumers are warned to avoid weight-loss products that make exaggerated claims.
On 20 June 2026, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), spoke about the tragic case of "Nong Nam," a famous coffee shop employee who suddenly died after taking a diet supplement. The forensic report confirmed the product contained sibutramine, a highly dangerous substance. She ordered the OCPB to coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Consumer Protection Police Division, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), online platforms, and Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station to investigate the product, trace the sellers, verify sources, pursue legal action, and provide comprehensive victim support.
Ms. Supamas said the case is still under FDA examination and Din Daeng police investigation, with no official cause concluded yet. She has arranged for each agency to systematically take over their part of the process: platforms and ETDA are to promptly provide store data and remove illegal products; FDA is to inspect the product, ingredients, labeling, and advertising; the Consumer Protection Police and Din Daeng police will prosecute thoroughly; and the OCPB will verify sellers’ identities, handle complaints, and coordinate victim assistance. This coordinated approach is moving the case forward on all fronts.
“What is alarming is that these sibutramine-containing diet pills are still being sold on some online platforms. This cannot wait; we must cut off the problem at its source to prevent more tragedies like Nong Nam’s case. I have urged speedy testing, active case progress, and tracking sellers to their real identities. Anyone using false information or evading responsibility must be thoroughly investigated. Anyone harmed should come to the OCPB; we will coordinate all agencies to assist fully, remove dangerous products from the market, and improve consumer safety,” Ms. Supamas said.
Mr. Ronarong Phulphipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, said the OCPB has coordinated with platforms to obtain data on stores selling suspicious products and is verifying sellers’ identities with local authorities. Initial findings show that registered information does not match the actual persons or addresses. The actual shipping points differ from the declared locations, and sellers have blocked communication. Authorities are tracing delivery routes and payment channels to link back to sellers and product sources. Although sellers hiding their identities complicate tracking, simultaneous multi-agency data checks are narrowing the channels for evasion. The OCPB affirms it will pursue until the perpetrators are found.
Ms. Supamas explained that selling products directly to consumers over distance via online media falls under direct marketing, which requires business operators to register and provide guarantees with the OCPB before selling. Selling without registration is an offense punishable under the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act of 2002. Additionally, the OCPB will use the Liability for Damage from Unsafe Products Act of 2008 to help victims claim compensation without needing to prove how the product was unsafe—only that they suffered harm from the unsafe product. These two laws allow the OCPB to simultaneously investigate sellers and assist victims.
“Consumers have the right to safe products that match advertised claims. I affirm that the OCPB will not allow anyone to profit from weight loss or health claims at the risk of people’s lives. Although online sales can conceal identities, they cannot evade multi-agency inspections. Those who violate the law must be held accountable. I will pursue this matter to the end,” Ms. Supamas said.
Ms. Supamas added that consumers should avoid weight-loss products that make exaggerated claims, lack a food registration number, or promise abnormally fast results. They should not buy based on unverified reviews. Before purchasing, check that the seller’s identity and address are clear and that they are registered with the OCPB for direct marketing. If purchase is necessary, keep all evidence: receipts, payment proof, seller information, order chats, product photos, and packaging. If harmed or suspect illegal health products, complaints can be made via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, the website ocpb.go.th, consumer service centers nationwide, or report illegal health products to the FDA hotline 1556.