BANGKOK — Thai authorities seized more than 13 million baht ($401,090) worth of illegal Chinese cosmetics and contraband cigarettes in separate raids across Bangkok, dismantling two foreign-backed operations accused of distributing unlicensed beauty products and smuggled tobacco online.
Illegal Cosmetics Operation Dismantled
In Bang Bon district, officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Protection Police Division uncovered nearly 70,000 pieces of unauthorized cosmetics valued at over 7 million baht ($216,000). The products—hair dyes, sanitary pads, sunscreen, and skin creams—lacked FDA approval and Thai-language labeling.
Jitta Meetongthanakon, secretary to the public health minister, said it was the second time the warehouse had been raided. The same facility was searched in January 2024, when illegal hair dye products linked to severe hair loss were seized. Legal action from that case remains ongoing.
FDA Secretary-General Supattra Boonserm said the operation followed consumer complaints about unregistered cosmetics sold online, particularly through Shopee. The warehouse, backed by foreign investors, served as a storage and distribution hub.
Supattra warned that selling unapproved cosmetics carries penalties of up to three months in jail or fines up to 30,000 baht ($930). Importing products without FDA clearance can lead to fines up to 20,000 baht ($620), and failing to provide Thai labels can result in a month’s imprisonment or a fine up to 10,000 baht ($310).
Chinese Man Arrested in Cigarette Smuggling Ring
On the same day, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), Excise Department, and Tobacco Authority of Thailand dismantled a Chinese-operated cigarette smuggling network, seizing 65,000 packs of untaxed Chinese cigarettes worth about 6 million baht ($185,090).
A 34-year-old Chinese national, Fang Weixin, was arrested after police found the cigarettes hidden in a basement on Ratchadaphisek Soi 10 and in an abandoned building on Lat Phrao Soi 23.
Thai authorities arrest a 34-year-old Chinese national after discovering cigarettes hidden in a basement on Ratchadaphisek Soi 10 and in an abandoned building on Lat Phrao Soi 23 in Bangkok on October 29, 2025.
ECD Lt. Col. Tatpoom Jaruprat said investigators infiltrated a Telegram group with more than 4,000 members, where the smuggling network promoted door-to-door delivery using Chinese-language advertisements. Fang, identified as both administrator and seller, told police he worked for a Cambodian-based employer known only as “Boss.”
Fang faces multiple charges, including possession and sale of untaxed goods, customs evasion, and working in Thailand without permission.
The case resulted in 4 million baht ($123,500) in lost excise tax revenue, with the Excise Department pursuing penalties of up to 60 million baht ($1.85 million) against the suspect.
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