Police seize more than 449,000 illegal cosmetics in Bangkok warehouse raid

Thai police and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have seized more than 449,000 cosmetics and medical-device products worth over THB7 million from a warehouse in Bangkok after tracing unusually cheap products sold through online platforms.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working with the FDA, searched a storage and distribution warehouse in Bang Khae after investigators found online shops selling cosmetics at unusually low prices.

Officials said the products lacked required cosmetic notification numbers, carried no Thai-language labels or had incomplete labelling.

A total of 449,210 items from 13 brands, with an estimated value of more than THB7.08 million, were seized.

Twelve cosmetic brands among seized products

Authorities found 429,210 cosmetic products from 12 brands without the required notification numbers or proper Thai-language labelling.

The seized products included:

• SADOER facial masks
• PINKYPINKY hair-care products
• EELHOE, HANBOLI and Hoygi under-eye products
• HIH and TWG sunscreens
• LUOFMISS body-care products
• COSROS clay masks
• West Month facial cleanser
• RongYao avocado scrub
• Hoegoa shampoo

Officials also seized 20,000 JAYSUING acne patches, which were classified as medical devices and lacked the required registration or notification documentation.

Warehouse linked to more than 36 online shops

Investigators said the warehouse was used to store, pack and distribute products sold through more than 36 online storefronts.

The operation was reportedly shipping around 600–700 products a day and had been running for about four years.

A warehouse administrator told investigators that a Chinese woman had arranged for the products to be imported from China before they were stored at the premises, packed and sent to Thai customers.

Some items were being sold at extremely low prices, with SADOER facial masks priced at only THB1–3 each.

Authorities also found advertisements making claims that some products could rapidly reduce wrinkles or dark circles under the eyes within only a few days.

Samples sent for laboratory testing

Investigators will send samples of the seized products to the Department of Medical Sciences for laboratory analysis.

If prohibited substances or disease-causing microorganisms are detected, authorities could bring additional charges for selling cosmetics deemed unsafe for use.

Under the Cosmetics Act 2015, selling cosmetics without the required notification can carry a fine of up to THB20,000.

Selling cosmetics without Thai-language labels can carry a penalty of up to one month in prison, a fine of up to THB10,000, or both.

Under the Medical Device Act 2008, selling a medical device without the required detailed listing notification can carry up to two years in prison, a fine of up to THB200,000, or both.

The investigation is continuing while officials await laboratory results on the seized products.