The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pledged to check all domestic cosmetics factories in a bid to weed out substandard and illegal products from the market after its ability to keep consumers safe was questioned recently.
FDA secretary-general Dr Wanchai Sattayawuthipong said a fresh ministerial regulation on manufacturing plant standards under the 2015 Cosmetics Act will be implemented in June, requiring manufacturers to ensure the safety of their customers.
"After the new rule is implemented, we will examine all cosmetics factories throughout the country and we expect to finish the job within three months.
"Only plants that are in line with our standards will be allowed to operate. By this means, we can reduce the number of sub-standard factories and finally put an end to the sale of dangerous and illegal cosmetics," Dr Wanchai told the press conference.
The FDA's actions follow in the wake of the Magic Skin and Lyn scandals.
Magic Skin was found to be producing cosmetics and food supplements which were both substandard and unlicensed. Lyn offered weight-loss drugs that have been linked to four deaths.
The FDA was strongly criticised for suggesting that consumers should check that licences printed on products were genuine by visiting its website, after authorities found that the Magic Skin and Lyn producers were displaying fake FDA seals of approval on their products.
Dr Wanchai said the FDA has been working with all stakeholders, including the police and the public sector, to monitor illegal cosmetics and dietary supplements which are widely available online.
He added that the FDA is gathering more evidence so that it can pursue "maximum" punishment against the alleged wrongdoers.
Under the law, selling cosmetics without FDA approval is illegal and subject to a maximum fine of 200,000 baht and/or a two-year jail term.
Dr Wanchai also said the FDA will blacklist any individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing of cosmetics and supplements.
Police are expanding their investigation into the sale of deadly and falsely labelled weight-loss drugs produced by Lyn after seven people were arrested in connection with the products over the weekend.
Deputy national police chief Wirachai Songmetta announced the arrests on Monday and warned buyers to immediately stop consuming Lyn-labelled drugs or supplements.
He said an initial examination found the four victims died of similar symptoms, including heart failure and arteriosclerosis. Their deaths were reported between March 28 and April 28 with the victims, aged between 31 and 48 years old, having no previous medical record of severe disease.
He said he believed there were a "large number of victims" deceived into buying the products, which claimed to be approved by the FDA.
The FDA announced last week the products contain two dangerous chemicals which were banned in 2010 -- sibutramine, an appetite suppressant, and bisacodyl, a type of laxative. They can both cause severe side effects including extreme stress on the cardiovascular system.
Investigators are waiting for the results of postmortem examinations of the four victims before they decide whether to press an additional charge of premeditated murder, he said.
An initial check found Lyn used an FDA licence granted to a fish sauce, apparently to fool consumers, Pol Gen Wirachai said.
Authorities concerned are making a concerted effort to regulate cosmetics and supplementary foods in the market as well as make sure that sales tactics using celebrity "reviewers" adhere to strict standards.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications (NBTC) is also working with the FDA and will ask broadcasters to stop airing advertisements for substandard products, said NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith.
He said the Digital Economy and Society Ministry is responsible for online platforms and will work closely with the NBTC to alert internet providers about inappropriate content.
The Medical Council of Thailand will issue an announcement warning doctors to strictly comply with relevant regulations if they are hired to review such products, said council member Sampan Khomrit.
The move came after Piyaphong "Dr Bon" Howilailak, a specialist in health and beauty care, was found to be advertising Magic Skin products.
Dr Sampan said the doctor will be summoned for questioning over his review of the products and a committee will be set up to probe his ethical conduct in the matter.
