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In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Thai government has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on the illicit production and distribution of injectable cosmetic products. More than 35,000 illegal items, valued at over 22 million baht, were confiscated during coordinated operations throughout the country.
Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, announced that this operation involved collaboration between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Protection Police as part of the Central Investigation Bureau. Raids were conducted at three distinct sites, leading to the seizure of a substantial quantity of unregistered cosmetic goods, unauthorized drugs, and non-compliant medical devices.
Reports indicated that the seizures comprised 20,596 cosmetic items, 217 unregistered medications, 240 medical devices, alongside 14,592 labels and promotional materials. Investigators noted that several products were falsely advertised as safe injectable skin vitamins despite lacking necessary approvals.
Authorities highlighted the exploitation of regulatory loopholes in cosmetic registration, noting that it is easier to obtain approval for cosmetics than for pharmaceuticals. Consequently, these products were marketed and sold to beauty clinics under the false pretense of being safe for injection.
The government underscored the high risks associated with injecting unapproved substances into the body, warning of potential severe health issues due to insufficient safety assessments. All injectable products must adhere to strict FDA testing and registration protocols to ensure their quality and safety.
Officials cautioned consumers against relying solely on labels claiming “FDA approved” as different products necessitate varying degrees of approval based on Thai regulations. They urged the public to verify product registrations through the official FDA website and the “Doctor Ready” app prior to undergoing any cosmetic procedures.
Furthermore, the Thai government has directed the FDA to collaborate with digital platforms to block the online sales of these illegal products and remove any listings lacking proper Thai-language labeling. Provincial health offices across Thailand have been instructed to enhance inspections of both physical and digital marketplaces distributing unsafe cosmetic items.
With unregulated and smuggled products posing significant public health risks, the government aims to protect legitimate enterprises and bolster public trust in Thailand’s healthcare and cosmetic sectors.