Bangkok: The investigation continues into the tragic death of "Nong Nam," an employee at a renowned coffee shop, who died from poisoning caused by a weight-loss supplement containing sibutramine. The seller of the product remains untraced as authorities intensify their probe.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), has joined forces with multiple agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) to investigate the case. Ms. Supamas revealed that forensic autopsy confirmed the presence of sibutramine in the supplement consumed by "Nong Nam". She has directed the OCPB to work in coordination with various agencies to trace the product's seller, investigate its source, and provide support to the victim's family. Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister, Ms. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister, and Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, are closely monitoring the situation under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's directive prioritizing public safety.
Ms. Suphamas stated that the investigation by the FDA and Din Daeng Police Station is ongoing, with no official cause determined yet. She has implemented a systematic plan for each agency to undertake specific roles. Platforms and ETDA are working to provide store information and remove illegal products from the FDA system, while the FDA inspects product labeling and advertising. The CPPD and Din Daeng Police are vigorously pursuing the case. The Consumer Protection Board is tasked with verifying seller identities, receiving complaints, and ensuring victims receive compensation.
In a statement, Ms. Suphamas emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue of weight-loss drugs being sold on online platforms. She highlighted the need for expedited test results, legal proceedings, and tracking down sellers. She encouraged members of the public harmed by such products to contact the Consumer Protection Board for assistance in removing dangerous products from the market.
Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, reported coordination with platforms to obtain store information and verify seller identities. Initial findings indicate discrepancies in registered information, with sellers having ceased contact. The CPB is tracing delivery routes and payment methods to identify sellers and product sources, despite challenges posed by sellers concealing identities. The CPB remains committed to identifying the sellers.
Ms. Suphamas noted that direct-to-consumer sales via online platforms are classified as direct marketing, necessitating registration with the CPB. Selling without registration violates the Direct Selling and Direct Marketing Act B.E. 2545 (2002). The CPB also plans to use the Product Liability Act B.E. 2551 (2008) to aid victims in filing lawsuits, without requiring them to prove product safety. These laws empower the CPB to monitor sellers and protect victims.
Ms. Suphamas urged consumers to avoid weight-loss products with exaggerated claims, lacking registration numbers, or promising rapid results. She advised verifying store information before purchasing and maintaining evidence of transactions. Consumers can file complaints via the CPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, the ocpb.go.th website, or the Damrongtham Center nationwide, and report illegal health products to the FDA hotline 1556.