Crime Health Ministry Seizes Unlicensed Chinese Goods Near University

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Health authorities have seized a large quantity of unlicensed Chinese food products from a supermarket operating near a well-known university in Pathum Thani, following complaints from students concerned about consumer safety.

 

Deputy Public Health Minister Chaiyanat Dechdecho, together with Assistant Minister Dr Thanakrit Jittareerattan and officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Protection Police Division, inspected the premises on Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Luang district, on the afternoon of 26 August.

 

The shop, which occupied a single glass-fronted unit, was found to be selling a wide range of food products imported from China, including drinks, eggs, preserved vegetables, minced meat and snacks. Almost none carried FDA approval and all stock was confiscated for testing.

 

Mr Chaiyanat revealed that students had filed complaints after discovering that “almost 100% of the items lacked FDA certification.” He warned that unregulated goods such as bamboo shoots, instant noodles claiming to contain meat and even infant milk bottles containing unidentified powders posed serious health risks.

 

He noted that provincial health officers had already inspected the store three times. Selling products without FDA approval carries fines of up to 30,000 baht, while importing without a licence can result in three years’ imprisonment.

 

Authorities also uncovered evidence of nominee ownership. While the shop was registered under a Thai woman’s name, it was allegedly financed and operated by Chinese nationals. “This is clearly a grey-market operation, using nominees to register businesses while funds are transferred directly to Chinese owners,” Mr Chaiyanat said.

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has now been asked to trace the financial transactions to determine whether they are linked to wider criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking.

 

The raid is estimated to have prevented consumer losses of between two and three million baht. Officials stressed that proactive inspections will continue, with repeat offenders facing immediate closure and prosecution.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-27