Thai police dismantle illegal cosmetics factory in shocking raid

An illegal lotion and shower cream operation was dismantled by Thai police today. The clandestine factory, operating from a residential house, was found to be mixing products in appalling conditions, shockingly different from the sanitised images shared on social media.

The authorities arrested the 63 year old owner, Thitiwat, for selling unregistered cosmetics and products without Thai-language labels, violating the country’s laws.

The police seized 83 gallons of foot massage lotion, 580 bottles of illegal perfume, and shower gel, 73 gallons of bath products, and 2,976 pieces of perfume. The raid took place in the Jomthong district of Bangkok following a plea for help by a female victim who suffered from severe burn wounds after an accident at the factory.

The victim, a mother of a two month old baby, received a measly compensation of 1,000 baht (US$28) from the employer, who also made her sign a resignation letter.

Unable to lead a normal life due to her injuries, she reached out to Police Colonel Thiti Sangswang, who, after witnessing the victim’s plight, ordered an immediate investigation. The preliminary inspection of the factory revealed cramped and unsafe conditions in the five two-storeyed houses used for production, reported KhaoSod.

The factory was secretly producing illegal products. Yesterday, Police Colonel Theeradech Thamsutee, along with officers from the Bang Mod Police and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raided the factory with a search warrant from the Thonburi Court.

The raid revealed a stark contrast to the images shared on social media. Workers were found mixing products on the floor without wearing any protective gear, a stark contrast to the social media images showing workers in white suits, hats, and rubber gloves, and maintaining standards of production. The investigation also uncovered a dead rat in a bin.

Thitiwat confessed to all charges and promised to amend his actions according to the law. The confiscated illegal products were seized, and Thitiwat was handed over to the Bang Mod Police for further legal proceedings. The police will also coordinate with the labour department for further action.