BANGKOK — Phase 2 operation launched: Thai officials inspect 7 Chinese supermarkets in Bangkok, seize 2,400 unauthorized products.
On September 13, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) in collaboration with officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the second phase of their “Clearing Chinese Supermarkets in Bangkok” operation.
They inspected 7 stores suspected of illegally importing and selling goods from China without proper authorization. The operation resulted in the seizure of 97 different types of products, totaling over 2,411 items.
Previously, authorities received complaints about several general stores in Bangkok selling smuggled goods from China, particularly food items lacking FDA registration numbers or proper Thai-language labels. These products posed potential risks to consumers.
To deter such practices, CPPD police and FDA officials began inspecting these supermarkets, covering more than 12 locations since mid-July.
After the initial operation showed results, with many stores reducing their illegal activities, some stores resumed selling these unauthorized products once attention waned. This led to the launch of the second phase of the crackdown.
Weerachai Nolwachai, Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, stated that these tax-evading Chinese food products are smuggled into Thailand via trucks crossing the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. They are then stored in warehouses around the Bangkok metropolitan area before being distributed to Bangkok and other provinces.
Moving forward, discussions will be held with relevant agencies to prevent this issue. The FDA has already notified Provincial Public Health Offices nationwide to conduct continuous surveillance in all areas.
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