Photo courtesy of FDA Thai

 

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a significant raid on December 30, targeting an illegal manufacturing facility producing a banned herbal tonic, ‘Old Man Forgets Walking Stick.’ The product, containing dangerous chemicals and undeclared modern drugs, poses serious health risks. This crackdown follows consumer complaints about the tonic's resurgence in Chiang Rai and Phayao.

 

The investigation started after reports of ‘Elemental Tonic: Old Man Forgets Walking Stick (Cobra Holding Brand)’ reappearing in stores, despite its production being halted in 2003. The detection in shops prompted a swift response from the Phayao Provincial Public Health Office, leading to the facility on Pratu Chai Road in Mueang Phayao District. Officials discovered an entire illicit operation, including production lines and packaging materials.

 

The FDA revealed that the unlicensed facility violated the Herbal Products Act B.E. 2562 (2019), with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison and a one million baht fine. Legal proceedings have begun, and the FDA urgently warned the public against purchasing the dangerous tonic. This raid follows a similar October 2025 incident where the FDA and Central Investigation Bureau found an illegal factory producing contaminated inhalers.

 

Health experts confirmed that the counterfeit tonic dangerously combines modern pharmaceutical drugs with chemicals. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to the FDA via hotline, messaging apps, or email. The FDA’s proactive measures underscore their commitment to safeguarding public health against illegal products.

 

Looking forward, authorities intend to enforce stricter regulations on herbal product manufacturing. The FDA aims to prevent similar situations by improving detection and compliance checks across the country, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thai FDA raided a facility producing a banned herbal tonic with harmful ingredients.
• The tonic resurfaced in stores despite being discontinued in 2003.
• Legal actions are underway; public advised to avoid the product.

 

Related Stories

Thai FDA Warns Against Contaminated Herbal Balm

Thai FDA Confirms Cough Syrup ‘Coldrif’ Not Sold in Thailand

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-30

 

 

 

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Health experts confirmed that the counterfeit tonic dangerously combines modern pharmaceutical drugs with chemicals.

A list of the dangerous pharmaceutical drugs would maybe help people avoid them ? 😋

Is that a stack of Thai Whisky on the right?

If so it is no surprise because it is usually the foundational content of numerous "tonics" !

Have never learned exactly what the benefits of the one with a centipede in it are?

Or the one with something red in. 

I do understand what the hard liquor does . Its no liver tonic !

8 minutes ago, johng said:

A list of the dangerous pharmaceutical drugs would maybe help people avoid them ? 😋

Pharmacists will usually happily provide data on any prescribed item ahead of accepting .

OTC also if concerned.

Remember ...water is dangerous !

Thousands drown every  year !