BANGKOK — Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have issued a strong warning to online buyers after a recent wave of smuggled goods from China hit e-commerce sites, creating real risks for online shoppers in Thailand.
The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are stepping up efforts against illegal imports, with new raids revealing widespread sales of products lacking proper Thai labels or certifications. This growing issue highlights the ongoing struggle to protect buyers from unsafe goods that enter Thailand through online sales.
On Monday, a major raid in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district focused on two warehouses packed with unregistered Chinese imports estimated at a 10 million baht haul. Joint operations by the CPPD and FDA exposed a stash of items, ranging from mosquito repellent and disinfectants to hair dye, sanitary pads, puddings, and fruit juices.
None had the required Thai-language labels or FDA numbers, raising obvious doubts about their safety and legitimacy. Deputy Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho shared that the crackdown followed complaints from shoppers who spotted unlabelled products online.
“These goods were openly listed online without following Thai laws,” he explained. “Online Shoppers reported the issue, and we moved quickly to keep people safe.”
Missing Thai labels and FDA registration are more than a paperwork issue; these requirements prove a product has passed safety checks. FDA deputy secretary-general Withid Sariddeechaikool urged shoppers to look for the FDA logo and Thai-language details before buying.
“Without them, you can’t be sure the product is safe,” he said. “Some could contain harmful chemicals or may be made in dirty conditions, putting buyers at risk.” The seized items are now with the CPPD for further investigation, and legal action is beginning against those responsible.
FDA Crackdown
This recent operation fits into a wider push to stop the flow of illegal Chinese imports, especially through major online stores like Lazada, Shopee, and Temu. In the past three months, officials removed over 94,000 Chinese goods from 47 markets around Bangkok, focusing on products that break labelling rules.
Raids took place from July 31 to November 4, 2024, showing how big the problem is. Food products without proper labels face fines up to 30,000 baht, while non-compliant cosmetics bring fines up to 10,000 baht or jail for a month.
Growth in the number of Chinese-run businesses in Thailand, often hidden behind Thai nominees, has added a new layer of complexity. A recent raid in Pathum Thani discovered a supermarket registered to a Thai national but actually owned and managed by a Chinese operator, with money channelled through Thai accounts to dodge inspection.
Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho confirmed that such business tactics are under review. Authorities are working with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to trace the flow of money related to these activities.
“It’s not just about unsafe products,” he said. “We also want fair rules for everyone and are tackling the illegal systems that hurt Thai companies.”
The flood of cheap and low-quality Chinese products is causing real concern among local small and medium-sized businesses, which struggle to match the low prices of these imports. In response, the Commerce Ministry, led by Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, is working on tougher controls.
Removing Illegal Products
These include mandatory registration for foreign e-commerce platforms operating in Thailand and more checks on goods entering the country. The ministry has also introduced a 7% value-added tax on small shipments, aiming to help level the playing field for Thai sellers.
These steps are designed to ease the pressure on Thai producers and retailers, who face tough competition from the steady stream of low-priced Chinese goods, such as daily-use chemicals, food, and health products. Although these products make up less than 10% of all Chinese exports to Thailand, they have a big effect on local markets.
Online shoppers, drawn in by low prices, should tread carefully. The FDA now works with Lazada and Shopee, who have promised to remove illegal food products within 24 hours and use systems to detect and flag suspicious listings.
The FDA is also rolling out an AI tool to scan for unsafe goods on online platforms, helping to keep buyers safe. “If something is unbelievably cheap, it could be risky,” warned Lertchai Lertvut, deputy secretary-general of the FDA. “Always check the seller, look for the right label, and confirm the FDA stamp.”
The CPPD and FDA have increased inspections nationwide, instructing local health offices to keep an eye on both physical stores and e-commerce channels for shady imports.
Ongoing FDA Action
Shoppers who see something suspicious can call the FDA hotline at 1556, contact them on Line (@FDAThai), or reach out to local health branches. As Thailand faces these challenges in online shopping and illegal imports, officials point out that buyer awareness is essential for safety and to support fair competition.
Cracking down on illegal Chinese imports is an important move to protect Thai shoppers and businesses, but authorities admit the issue is far from solved. Smuggling rings are still active, with some able to process up to 2,000 orders each day.
The CPPD and FDA are committed to ongoing action. “We will keep going after these networks and bring offenders to justice,” said Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bubphasuwan, CPPD commander. “Our main concern is the safety of Thai shoppers and the honesty of our market.”
As the holiday season nears, with many people turning to online shopping, officials offer simple advice: look for Thai labels, make sure there is FDA approval, and report anything suspicious. Stay alert to help stop the spread of illegal imports and protect yourself from unsafe goods.
