Consumers advised to beware of fake goods sold online

The Commerce Ministry has warned the general public, especially those who prefer to shop online, to be on the alert for fake or counterfeit products offered on digital platforms.

Auramon Supthaweethum, director general of the ministry’s Department of Intellectual Property, cautioned this week that mobile phone accessories and every day or personal care items, including clothes, cosmetics and bathroom supplies, are the most prolific substandard or fake goods to be found online.

She stressed that people’s health is particularly at risk from lower grade-chemicals or components contained in the substandard products, hence their cheaper prices or expansive promotional campaigns.

She told the media that, in some cases, the fake goods, particularly daily personal care items, can be life threatening for consumers who suffer with allergies, while substandard mobile phone accessories are often fire-prone.

Consumers should, therefore, always be wary of irrational prices, labels, trademarks, official certifications and other product details, including their manufacturing bases, production and expiry dates.

According to the director general, over 1.3 million substandard or counterfeit items, valued at over 2.3 billion baht, were seized by local authorities during the first six months of the 2026 fiscal year (October 2025-March 2026).

She also warned that, if convicted, traders of contraband or substandard supplies each faces hefty fines of 50,000-400,000 baht and/or jail terms of three months to two years, while those found guilty of duplicating official trademarks each faces up to a 400,000 baht-fine and/or up to four year-in prison.