Auntie Cheng Denies All Charges

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BIO-FERMENTED TONIC CONTROVERSY

Auntie Cheng denies all charges

By Duangkamon Sajirawattanakul,

Wisit Chuanpipatpong

The Nation

Published on January 28, 2010

Auntie Cheng denies all charges

BANGKOK: -- Sorawan Sirisuntarin, better known as Auntie Cheng, yesterday denied all charges, saying she would stop advertising her controversial bio-fermented tonic Nam Maha Bambat and concentrate on producing bio-fertiliser instead. This is despite the fact that her products were found contaminated with the clostridium perfringens and bacillus pumilus bacteria as well as fungi.

Upon hearing four additional charges yesterday morning, Sorawan announced that she had done nothing wrong. The charges she faces are: unauthorised advertising of medical products via radio and television; advertising products as a cure that is prohibited by the 1967 Drug Act; running a medical facility without permission; and practising medicine without licence or permission.

In response to the charges, Sorawan said she had stopped producing Nam Maha Bambat and had instead started manufacturing bio-fertilisers, rat poison and chemicals to unclog drains. She added that this was part of her campaign against global warming.

She also said that she would be responsible for any damages, especially if people can prove they are actually affected. She said she would refuse to allow anyone to bully her.

Sorawan also said that her "Super Cheng" cable TV show would continue being aired though it would not carry any commercials about the controversial products. She insisted that she was strong and certainly not stressed out about the charges.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit told a press conference that Auntie Cheng's Nam Maha Bambat was highly acidic, had no medical value and was contaminated with clostridium perfringens bacteria that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea as well as gangrene.

In addition, her Nam Jiaranaipetch eye-drop, which is supposed to be a 100-per-cent clean and have the perfect pH balance, was also found to be highly acidic, with no medial value and was also contaminated with clostridium perfringens, bacillus pumilus as well as fungi, Jurin said.

"If it is applied to the eye, it would be like using acid or vinegar, leading to eye infection or blindness," he said, adding that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would submit its lab results to the police investigating team.

FDA chief Pipat Yingseri said his office had been keeping an eye on Auntie Cheng since she started selling the EM bio-fermented liquid and later began selling a new and more popular formula in December. The FDA then launched an investigation into her products after it received seven or eight complaints.

Pipat added that the FDA was looking into several other liquids that can allegedly cure illnesses and confirmed that the only FDA-approved formula was the sterilised fermented noni juice that has been registered by 12 producers.

-- The Nation 2010-01-28

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[animatic]

Going after the snale oil salesmen is a good idea.

Seems this is a first announcement for a new minister,

probably he asked for a high profile, sure, safe, target for attack.

[zzaa09]

The first thing I consider when I think of government, is their steadfast consistency for the well-being of the good population....

[swifty5x5]

Going after the snale oil salesmen is a good idea.

Seems this is a first announcement for a new minister,

probably he asked for a high profile, sure, safe, target for attack.

I think it's snake oil.

[geriatrickid]

Where's the agriculture minister when he is needed; This charlatan is quoted as saying "she would stop advertising her controversial bio-fermented tonic Nam Maha Bambat and concentrate on producing bio-fertiliser instead". If her track record

is any indication, I am left with the impression that the bio-fertiliser is probably toxic industrial waste nicely packaged. Wouldn't it be nice if the product was tested for hydrocarbons, heavy metals etc. rather than wait for the headless babies and animal deformities to be reported if that's the case?

[Ricardo]

The first thing I consider when I think of government, is their steadfast consistency for the well-being of the good population....

... starting with their friends & supporters, then later the others, if there's any pork left.

[Briggsy]

Is this linked to the cases of eye infections leading to blindness that followed the use of eye drops after cataract operations in Khon Kaen and in Buri Ram?

[Heng]

1,000 to 10,000 Baht for vials and often large bottles of dirty water.

[basjke]

Is the fertilizer the same product as the medicine but with another label?

[Bagwan]

Campaign against global warming? :D

One way to stop drains clogging up is to stop shovelling all the debris and spoil of construction works down them.

[animatic]

Aunties Toxic Tonic!

Good for your guts, good for your lawn*...

*Water it down more for the lawn, so it don't kill the grass.

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UPDATE

BIO FERMENTED TONIC

3 more file complaints against 'Auntie Cheng'

By Anan Wijitpracha

The Nation

Pathum Thani

Published on January 29, 2010

3 more file complaints against 'Auntie Cheng'

PATHUM THANI: -- These women have come forward to complain about the biofermented liquid bottles they have bought from Auntie Cheng or Sorawan Sirisuntarin.

Three more people have filed complaints against Sorawan "Auntie Cheng" Sirisuntarin, bringing the plaintiffs in the controversial bio fermented liquids case to eight.

At Khlong Luang police station yesterday, Mali Phanchanmaen, 74, Thongdam Boonsanong, 51, and Pensri Pensarikan, 50, filed complaints and presented liquid samples to police.

They said they had seen the ads for Nam Maha Bambat tonic and Nam Jiaranaipetch eyedrops on cable TV and went to buy the liquids from Auntie Cheng at about Bt1,000 per item.

They claimed, however the liquids didn't work and made their existing skin irritation or illnesses even worse, so they stopped applying the liquids. After learning from the news that the fermented liquids were tainted with bacteria and fungi and Auntie's action was possibly fraudulent, they presented their evidence to file police complaints.

Auntie Cheng's house was quiet yesterday with the gate closed for visitors. Vendors of the ingredients and neighbourhood restaurants complained of loss of income because no one was buying the liquids at Auntie Cheng's house anymore after the media publicity.

-- The Nation 2010-01-29

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