Bangkok: Don't risk buying fake or substandard squishies that contain harmful substances and could negatively impact children's health. Children play with these popular toys, but adults must help watch out for substandard products that could pose a health risk to children. The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) have been tasked by the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office to investigate and prevent such incidents.
According to Thai News Agency, squishy toys are incredibly popular, coming in many forms including cartoon characters, cute animals, various types of bread, fruits, food, and everyday objects. They're a favorite among children, working adults, and people of all ages because, besides being fun to play with, they're adorable and some even smell like real food. Squishies are also believed to provide relaxation and improve concentration. However, choosing the wrong product, especially from substandard manufacturers, can lead to serious health and safety issues for children.
Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, in her capacity as supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), has instructed the OCPB to monitor squishy toys following reports from overseas that some counterfeit versions, lacking brand names and clear origins, were found to contain dangerous chemicals exceeding safety standards. She has assigned Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister, Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister, and Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, to closely monitor the situation.
The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is continuously upgrading its inspection and issuing warnings about substandard toys. In the case of squishy toys, it is cooperating with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the agency directly responsible for regulating toy standards, to monitor and remove substandard products from both general markets and online channels. Ms. Suphamas emphasized, "As a mother myself, I have instructed the CPB to take a proactive approach, not waiting for harm to anyone's children before taking action. Toys that children handle and squeeze every day must be safe from the very first one they receive."
The dangers to watch out for can be divided into two main areas. Chemical residue is a concern as squishies made from low-grade materials often contain chemical residues. Prolonged inhalation can cause irritation and affect the respiratory system. Additionally, squishies designed to resemble food or desserts, such as donuts or cupcakes, pose a risk of young children mistaking them for food and putting them in their mouths. Foam parts could become lodged in their airways, potentially causing life-threatening injuries.
The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is directly supported by the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979), which mandates that controlled products must display a Thai-language label clearly stating the manufacturer or importer's name and necessary information for consumers. Violations are subject to legal penalties. Furthermore, the Product Liability Act B.E. 2551 (2008) stipulates that if an unsafe product causes harm to consumers, the manufacturer, importer, and seller are jointly liable for the damage, regardless of whether the damage was caused intentionally or negligently. The consumer only needs to prove that they suffered damage from the product.
Ms. Suphamas also warned the public about the proper use and care of squishies. She advised wiping them clean before each first use. Because squishies have a porous texture, they easily accumulate dust and germs, so regular cleaning is necessary. If they start to tear, disintegrate, or develop mold, they should be discarded immediately to prevent allergies and skin infections. Importantly, young children should never be left unattended; close adult supervision is always required. 'With concern for parents and guardians, I urge you to follow these simple guidelines before purchasing: choose products with Thai labels clearly stating the manufacturer or importer's name, and look for the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) mark. If, upon opening, there is a pungent chemical smell or an unusually strong perfume scent to mask odors, assume it's unsafe and do not buy it. A child's smile is more valuable than cheap toys of unknown origin. Those unusually cheap items are not worth risking your children's health.' Consumers who encounter unsafe products or wish to file a complaint can contact the OCPB hotline at 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the ocpb.go.th website, or the Damrongtham Centers nationwide.