Bangkok: The government is intensifying its efforts to tackle illegal health product advertisements, having already blocked over 120,000 such items. Over 121,494 illegal advertisements have been blocked, 6,748 cases filed, and 576 illegal activity sites dismantled, with goods worth over 1,152 million baht confiscated.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, emphasized that consumer protection is a priority in the digital age, where online shopping is rapidly growing. This expansion comes with risks from exaggerated advertising, false claims, unauthorized products, or the illegal use of hazardous substances. The government has ordered stricter measures to address the problem of unsafe health products and misleading advertising. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been proactive since 2023, blocking over 121,494 illegal advertisements, prosecuting 6,748 cases, and dismantling 576 illegal operations, seizing goods worth over 1,152 million baht.
The Thai FDA is also enhancing its operations by upgrading with digital technology. It is collaborating with digital platforms and using AI and APIs to connect with major online platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, Grab, LineMan, LINE, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Lemon8. This AI and API system is designed to detect and filter potentially illegal products and advertisements. The FDA has developed an AI system with over 92,120 blacklist keywords and expanded its rapid reporting network to cover 76 provinces and 3 professional councils, thereby increasing the speed and efficiency of ad blocking and problem resolution.
Ms. Ploytalay advised consumers to protect their rights by choosing health products carefully, checking the FDA registration number before making decisions, and not being misled by exaggerated advertising claims. She also encouraged the public to file complaints about unfair practices through various channels, including the FDA hotline 1556, Line @FDAThai, Facebook: FDAThai, E-mail: [email protected], P.O. Box 1556, and provincial public health offices nationwide.