Thai FDA and CPPD Crack Down on Illegal Health Products Under National Safety Policy

Major Warehouse Raid in Samut Prakan

On October 16, 2025, the Thailand Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) joined forces with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) raided a warehouse in Samut Prakan Province and discovered it was a source of illegally imported health products., upon receiving consumer complaints. Over 114,000 unregistered items worth more than 11 million baht (~340,000 USD) were seized.

 

National Policy to Protect Public Health

The Deputy Minister of Public Health emphasized the suppression of illegal health products under "Suppress, Transparent, Safe for Thai People's Health in All Dimensions" policy. Thai FDA officials were tasked with strictly monitoring the smuggling of health products from abroad, as these activities negatively impact Thailand's economic system and public safety.

 

Consumer Complaints Lead to Discovery

Prompted by online consumer complaints requesting inspection of a specific brand of contact lenses, more than 100,000 unauthorized contact lenses, along with other illegal products, were found at the warehouse, with a total value exceeding 11 million baht. Contact lenses that are manufactured without proper production standards or certified origins may affect product's efficacy and safety, which pose risk of eye infections.

 

Legal Consequences Under Medical Device Act

The Secretary-General of the Thai FDA stated that such actions violate Medical Device Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and its amendment for selling medical devices without permission, which may result in imprisonment not exceeding two years, or fine not exceeding 200,000 baht, or both.

 

Consumer Guidance and Safety Measures

It is emphasized that contact lenses sold in Thailand must have Thai-language labels. If a product lacks a Thai FDA number, consumers should return it to the seller and report suspicious products to the Thai FDA hotline at 1556, so authorities can take legal action against offenders to the fullest extent. Thai authorities also urged consumers to verify approval certificate number on the Thai FDA official website before purchasing any health products.

 

Key Takeaways

• Imported health products like contact lenses require Thai FDA approval with proper risk classification before sale; violators may face fines, imprisonment, and business closure.
• Thai authorities are intensifying enforcement against unauthorized medical devices through active tracking and raids.
• Thai consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of legitimacy and approval certificates for imported medical devices.

 

Implications for Industry Stakeholders

Overseas manufacturers must understand Thai FDA regulations for medical devices, including whether their product is classified as a medical device and its correct risk classification, to adequately submit reports required to comply with Thai standards.

 

Overseas Manufacturers Urged to Ensure Compliance to Avoid Legal and Financial Risks

Thai authorities have demonstrated their commitment to consumer protection through strict regulatory enforcement, as evidenced by the recent warehouse raid in Samut Prakan. Overseas manufacturers of medical devices are strongly advised to acknowledge and comply with Thai FDA regulations to avoid potential financial losses resulting and legal consequences resulting from regulatory violations.

 

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References

• 1. Authorities Bust Storage and Distribution Site of Counterfeit Branded Contact Lenses, Seizing Nearly 400,000 Pieces
• 2. Authorities Bust Major Illegal Goods Warehouse, Seizing Over 17 Million Baht Worth of Products