Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Factories Producing Counterfeit Herbal Inhalers; Over 2 Million Seized

(Bangkok, 31st) – Under government orders, Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), Samut Songkhram Provincial Public Health Office, and other related agencies, launched a large-scale crackdown. They successfully busted four illegal herbal inhaler manufacturing sites, seizing more than 2.35 million products, including 'Hong Thai' brand herbal inhalers, with a total value exceeding 120 million baht (about 15.6 million ringgit).

Wisitchai Mithongtanakom, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, stated that this operation implements the government’s policy of 'strictly combating illegal acts, ensuring transparency and safety, and protecting public health,' demonstrating the government's and health ministry's firm stance against illegal activities. He emphasized that inspections and follow-up actions will continue.

He pointed out that cracking down on a large amount of counterfeit herbal products can effectively reduce the risk of the public using unsafe or substandard products while reminding business operators to manufacture and sell in accordance with the law, or face severe penalties.

FDA Secretary-General Supattra Bunserm added that producing or selling counterfeit herbal products is a serious offense, with a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of 1 million baht, or both. The FDA will expedite the recall of all involved products and send them to the Department of Medical Sciences for testing; the results will be publicly released.

She emphasized that the 'Hong Thai' brand herbal inhalers involve multiple batches and formulas, were produced at unlicensed locations, and cannot guarantee safety or quality. Some products may contain substances harmful to health. The FDA urges consumers to be vigilant and to check labels and license numbers when purchasing.

On the police side, Police Lieutenant General Natasak, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, stated that the police will continue to track down the black market factories and related distribution networks, urging the public not to buy herbal products of unknown origin.