Pictures courtesy of PPTV

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has seized more than 35,000 counterfeit TAIYO lighters in Nakhon Sawan, prompting a public warning about the risk of explosions and fire hazards associated with unlicensed products. The operation was carried out by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) after investigators confirmed a surge of fake lighters circulating across the upper central region. Officials said the discovery highlights a growing safety threat, as the counterfeit items were being openly stored for distribution.

 

The raid took place under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Phuridet, Commissioner of the CIB, who oversaw the enforcement team working alongside ECSD officers. Leading the on-site operation, Acting Pol Capt Pongchet Noommuk and his unit inspected two retail–wholesale shops in Nakhon Sawan, where they found 35,300 counterfeit TAIYO-branded lighters. The products were seized as evidence and secured for further examination.

 

The investigation began after Thai Merry Co., Ltd., the official trademark owner of TAIYO, alerted authorities to the spread of fake lighters on the market. Officers traced the distribution network and found that many small retailers had purchased counterfeit stock from major wholesalers in the region. This evidence was submitted to the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, which subsequently approved search warrants for the targeted locations.

 

Officials warned that counterfeit lighters often fail to meet Thailand’s industrial product standards, known as TIS, and can explode or ignite unexpectedly. Such risks, they said, pose dangers not only to users but also to property and surrounding individuals. Consumers were advised to buy lighters only from reputable sellers and to check details such as TIS certification, production dates, expiry dates, and distributor information.

 

PPTV reported that authorities have filed initial charges for “jointly offering for sale, and possessing for sale, goods bearing counterfeit trademarks.” Investigators will now work to identify and pursue the manufacturers, suppliers and importers involved in the counterfeit network. Further enforcement actions are expected as officers continue to trace the supply chain and assess the scale of illegal production.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Police seized 35,300 counterfeit TAIYO lighters from two shops in Nakhon Sawan.

• Authorities warn the fake lighters lack safety certification and may explode or ignite.

• Investigations are expanding to identify all producers, distributors and importers involved.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from PPTV 2025-11-18

 

 

 

 

WoW !!!! you could have knocked me down with a feather!!! Thailand being proactive,