Seizure of Unauthentic Cleaning and Cosmetic Goods Worth 20 Million Baht in Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand - In a significant move to protect public health and combat intellectual property violations, the police, in collaboration with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), and private intellectual property rights holders, recently conducted a raid on a warehouse in Bangkok. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 20 million baht worth of uncertified cleaning supplies and cosmetics, primarily Seaways-branded products, which were imported from China and lacked the necessary certification in Thailand [2][3][4].
The raid, which targeted counterfeit and substandard goods, is part of a broader crackdown on such items. In the past six months, more than 1.3 million counterfeit items have been confiscated in operations aimed at online sales channels and physical markets catering to tourists [1]. Two major online platforms were also raided, resulting in the seizure of over 700,000 counterfeit products such as skincare creams, dietary supplements, and shampoos, many of which pose serious health risks due to toxic chemical contamination [1].
The investigation into the Bangkok warehouse revealed that foreign workers were hired by the Chinese investor to pack the goods for delivery to customers who made orders via online shopping platforms, including Shopee and Lazada. Workers were paid five to seven baht per item they packed, according to the police [5]. The warehouse, during the raid, also contained "Dr Leo" cosmetic products, including skincare and sun protection cream [6].
The Thai warehouse supervisor, Ms Authumwan, revealed that the warehouse was rented by the Chinese investor for storing the uncertified items [7]. Some of the seized cleaning products contained hazardous chemicals, highlighting the potential health risks associated with the use of uncertified products [8].
It is important to note that the use of uncertified products could contain dangerous chemicals that are potentially harmful to users. Customers are advised to ensure products are certified by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before buying, especially through online platforms [9].
While a case fitting that description was reported in Chon Buri last year, no direct connection was mentioned between the current case and the reported fatality [10]. The police, however, believe the items were smuggled into Thailand from China [11].
This coordinated crackdown highlights growing efforts by law enforcement to combat intellectual property violations and protect consumers from hazardous products sold both online and offline in Bangkok [1][2]. The operation serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant and ensure the products they purchase are certified and safe.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | **Products seized** | Uncertified cleaning supplies and cosmetics | | **Value seized** | 20 million baht | | **Location** | Bangkok warehouse | | **Owner/investor** | Chinese investor | | **Investigation focus** | Safety certification, counterfeit products | | **Law enforcement agencies** | Police, DIP, ECSD, private IP rights representatives| | **Online platforms involved** | Two major platforms raided, hundreds of thousands of counterfeit goods seized | | **Risks highlighted** | Health risks from toxic chemicals in uncertified products | | **Legal consequences** | Up to 4 years prison, fines up to 800,000 baht for IP infringement |
- The police's collaborative operation with intellectual property rights holders in Bangkok not only targeted counterfeit and uncertified health-and-wellness products, such as cosmetics and skincare creams, but also extended to therapies and treatments, like dietary supplements and sun protection creams.
- The crackdown on intellectual property violations in Bangkok, Thailand, encompasses not just general news topics like crime and justice, but also extends to health-and-wellness concerns, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and certification of various therapies and treatments that consumers use.
