Supamas is concerned about the spread of counterfeit "Squishy" toys, which risk contamination with hazardous chemicals. She has ordered the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to work with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to urgently inspect substandard products. She warns parents that if a toy emits a strong chemical odor when unwrapped, it should be presumed unsafe and not purchased.
On 27 June 2026, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), announced she has instructed the CPB to monitor and issue warnings about "Squishy" toys — soft toys used for stress relief that are popular among children and youth. Following international reports that some unbranded, unclear-origin counterfeit models contain hazardous chemical contaminants exceeding safety standards, she assigned Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuayluang, Ministerial Advisor, Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong, Ministerial Secretary, and Mr. Ronarong Poonpipat, CPB Secretary-General, to closely track the situation.
Protecting the safety of children and youth is a priority emphasized by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has urged all agencies to monitor closely, especially products handled daily by children. Supamas is continuing this policy by directing the CPB to enhance inspections and warnings about substandard toys continuously. For Squishy toys, CPB will coordinate with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the agency responsible for toy standards, to monitor and remove non-compliant products from both general markets and online channels.
"As a mother myself, I understand every parent's wish to see their children play happily and safely. I have urged the CPB to take proactive action, not waiting until harm occurs to our children before responding. Toys that children handle and squeeze every day must be safe from the moment they first reach their hands," said Supamas.
There are two main dangers to be aware of: chemical hazards and accidents. Squishy toys made from low-grade materials often contain residual chemicals that, when inhaled over time, may irritate and affect the respiratory system. Regarding accidents, toys designed to resemble food items like donuts or cupcakes risk causing young children to mistake them for real food and put them in their mouths, where foam pieces could detach and block airways, posing life-threatening hazards.
The CPB enforces laws such as the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979), which requires products under labeling control to display Thai-language labels clearly stating the manufacturer or importer and necessary consumer information. Violations are punishable by law. Under the Product Liability Act B.E. 2551 (2008), if unsafe products cause consumer harm, manufacturers, importers, and sellers must jointly compensate regardless of intent or negligence, provided consumers prove they suffered damage from the product.
Supamas also advised the public on usage and maintenance: toys should be cleaned before first use. Because Squishy toys are porous, they easily accumulate dust and germs, so regular cleaning is necessary. If the toy begins to tear, degrade, or develop mold, it should be discarded immediately to prevent allergic reactions and skin infections. Importantly, young children should never be allowed to play with these toys unsupervised; adult supervision is essential at all times.
"I want to share a caring message for parents: use a simple guideline before buying — choose products with Thai labels clearly stating the manufacturer or importer, and look for the Thai Industrial Standards (TISI) mark. If, upon opening, the toy emits a strong chemical or unusual fragrance masking odors, assume it is unsafe and do not buy it. A child's smile is worth more than cheap toys of unknown origin, as such unusually inexpensive items often come at the cost of our children's health," Supamas said.
Consumers who encounter unsafe products or wish to file complaints can contact the CPB hotline at 1166, use the OCPB Connect application, visit the website ocpb.go.th, or reach out to consumer protection centers nationwide.