The Thai government seized over 35,000 illegal cosmetic items valued at 22 million baht, targeting networks misusing these products for injections, which pose serious health risks. Authorities urge consumer vigilance.
Key Points
- The Thai government has intensified enforcement against illegal cosmetic products used for injections, seizing 35,645 items valued at over 22 million baht. The operation involved the Thai Food and Drug Administration collaborating with the Central Investigation Bureau and consumer protection police.
- Raids at three locations uncovered 20,596 cosmetic products, 217 unregistered drugs, and 240 medical devices. Some operators misclassified products to avoid stricter regulations, marketing them as injectables, which poses significant health risks due to lack of safety evaluations.
- Authorities will enhance monitoring of both online and offline sales, working with digital platforms to block illegal listings. Consumers are urged to verify product approvals to avoid health hazards and to protect legitimate businesses.
The government has intensified action against networks involved in the production, import, and distribution of cosmetic products illegally used for injection, with authorities seizing 35,645 items worth more than 22 million baht.
The operation was carried out by the Thai Food and Drug Administration in coordination with the Central Investigation Bureau, including Division 4 of the Consumer Protection Police Division, and involved raids at three locations. Seized items included 20,596 cosmetic products, 217 unregistered drugs, 240 medical devices, and 14,592 labels and promotional materials.
According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan, authorities found that some operators registered products as cosmetics instead of pharmaceuticals to bypass stricter approval processes, then marketed them to aesthetic clinics as injectable products or skin treatments. Such use poses serious health risks, as these products have not been evaluated for injection into the human body. Items intended for injection must undergo strict review for quality, safety, and effectiveness, and cosmetics are not permitted for such use under any circumstances.
Officials have instructed closer monitoring of online and offline sales channels, including coordination with digital platforms to block illegal listings. Provincial public health offices have also been directed to step up inspections. Consumers are advised to verify product approvals through official channels, as unregulated products may pose risks, including contamination, poor quality control, and harm to public health, and may also affect legitimate businesses.
Source : Thai Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Injectable Cosmetic Products
