Wealthy Thai woman arrested over dodgy weight-loss pills in raids across the country

PHOTO: Daily News

An extensive police operation has led to the arrest of wealthy operator of a business selling alleged weight-loss products. The woman has also been charged with possession of controlled substances.

Of the 13 targeted locations in Bangkok, one was the luxurious home of Wirairat Udthong on Soi Pattanakan 42 in the Suan Luang district.

Wirairat was charged with possessing with intent to sell Phentermine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and Diazepam and Clorazepate, which are controlled under Schedule IV.

Police said she owns assets with a value estimated around 50 million baht and a beauty-product business with up to 100 million baht. A court issued a warrant for her arrest in February.

Police accuse her of paying a clinic doctor 50,000-70,000 baht to legally order the substances through the Food and Drug Administration Office and give her a portion to distribute to customers, several of whom have allegedly died after consuming them.

The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by a former magazine model who had used the products.

SOURCE: The Nation