7,300 unsafe Chinese bug repellent devices seized in Bangkok

Police confiscated approximately 7,300 Chinese-made plug-in bug-repellent devices from three separate warehouses in Bangkok, citing potential health hazards and fire risks.

The devices were discovered yesterday, September 17, in warehouses located on Sukhumvit Soi 54 in Phra Khanong district, Thian Thale Soi 20 in Bang Khun Thian, and a commercial building at Sampeng 2 market on Kanlapaphruek Road in Bang Khae. Police Major General Withaya Sriprasertparp, head of the consumer protection police division, confirmed the findings.

The operation followed a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report indicating that unsafe plug-in bug-repellent products were being widely sold online. These products, originating from China, had bypassed the necessary FDA certification process, Withaya noted.

Investigations revealed that the products were smuggled by boats from neighbouring countries into the northern regions of Thailand and retailed for about 20 baht (US$0.6) each, significantly lower than the market price of 60 baht (US$1.8).

Police and FDA officials rounded up the products due to concerns that these uncertified items might contain hazardous substances or be contaminated, according to Withaya.

Weerachai Nolwachai, the FDA Deputy Secretary-General, mentioned that the raids were the result of a sting operation in which undercover officials purchased the products from vendors.

Subsequent testing identified the presence of meperfluthrin and dimefluthrin, two insecticides belonging to the pyrethroid group. These substances are not approved for use around humans by Thailand, the European Union, the United States, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to insufficient safety evidence.

Pyrethroids are a widely used class of pesticides that are strictly regulated in Thailand and other countries. The WHO has stated that most pyrethroids are relatively safe for humans, but high-concentration exposure could pose health risks, reported Bangkok Post.

Users of the confiscated products could inhale hazardous vapours, and the substandard plugs might catch fire if left in outlets overnight, Weerachai said.

“We encourage consumers to purchase only FDA-certified products to ensure their safety.”