Crime Fake Cough Syrup Factory Raided in Surat Thani

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities in Surat Thani have dismantled an illegal operation producing counterfeit cough syrup, seizing nearly 20,000 bottles on 10 September. The raid targeted a commercial building in Phunphin district and led to the arrest of a 53-year-old man accused of manufacturing and distributing fake medicine. Officials warned the products could be misused by mixing with kratom to create illegal narcotic drinks.

 

The operation was ordered by Surat Thani governor Theerut Supawiboonpol and carried out by Kanut Aunseng, provincial protection officer, together with Maj Chatchai Rukranrong, commander of the Surat Thani Volunteer Defence Company 1. The Tuaphet Special Task Force, local administrative officers, Phunphin police and provincial public health officials also joined the raid. They had received intelligence that counterfeit cough syrup was being produced for sale across pharmacies in southern Thailand.

 

During the search, officers confiscated 10 types of evidence. This included 19,844 bottles of syrup labelled as DITISSIN, two labelling machines, a 1,000-litre stainless steel tank, one box sealer, 10,402 empty bottles, 14,040 caps, two air compressors, eight capping machines and eight liquid filling machines. Police detained Somchai, aged 53, from Kuanlang, Hat Yai, Songkhla, as the alleged owner of the facility.

 

He faces charges under the 1967 Drug Act for manufacturing and selling counterfeit drugs, carrying penalties of three years to life imprisonment and fines between 10,000 and 50,000 baht under Section 117, as well as imprisonment of one to 20 years and fines between 2,000 and 10,000 baht under Section 119. He was also charged with producing medicine without a licence under Section 12, which carries up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to 10,000 baht under Section 101. He has been handed to investigators at Phunphin police station for prosecution.

 

Public health officials expressed concern that the fake syrup may contain unknown chemical additives. They warned that the low-cost bottles could be illegally sold to shops or young people, who might mix the product with kratom for recreational use, creating a dangerous and illegal substance. Authorities urged the public to avoid consuming such mixtures, citing serious health risks and legal consequences.

 

Investigations are expected to continue to determine the full distribution network of the counterfeit cough syrup. Officials are also reviewing potential links to wider drug-related activities in southern Thailand. Monitoring of pharmacies and local suppliers is set to be stepped up to prevent further circulation of counterfeit medicines.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Nearly 20,000 bottles of fake cough syrup were seized in Surat Thani on 10 September.

• A 53-year-old man was arrested and faces multiple charges under Thailand’s Drug Act.

• Authorities warned the products could be misused with kratom as an illegal narcotic drink.

 

Related stories:

 

Man-arrested-for-selling-kratom-drink-illegal-cough-medicine

 

Police-raid-kratom-drink-shop-offering-loyalty-scheme

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-10

 

 

 

 

[Woke to Sounds]

Damn!

 

Just when I was about to set up a fake cough syrup factory.

[Yagoda]

I used to have a girlfriend who mixed the stuff with Cherry Cola

[beautifulthailand99]

10 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Damn!

 

Just when I was about to set up a fake cough syrup factory.

Well logic says there's no better time !