NAKHON RATCHASIMA – A search of a popular imported instant ramen cafe in Mueang district revealed that nearly half of the store’s products were smuggled or illegally imported, lacked FDA approval and were nearing expiration.
Customs Chief of Chong Chom Border Crossing, Prasit Deejongcharoen, explained that the government has prioritised protecting society from undesirable goods.
Following government directives, Mr Prasit said the Chong Chom Customs checkpoint has intensified surveillance against smuggled goods. The heightened watch led to the detecting of suspicious activities surrounding a well-known imported instant ramen cafe in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
After requesting a search warrant from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court, investigators were able to carry out a raid that seized nearly 2,000 items of illegal goods.
According to Mr Prasit, such illicit goods, especially those that may pose health risks and create future healthcare costs, must be kept away from consumers. He elaborated that the action will also ensure fairness for certified businesses.
Mr. Prasit noted the discovery was especially disconcerting, as it involved a large, well-known cafe in the centre of the province that has been operating almost 24 hours a day for around three years.
Of the 2,000 items, products included instant ramen, seasonings, desserts and drinks that were illegally imported over the border without passing through customs procedures.
Chong Chom Customs checkpoint has been instructed to step up its vigilance against such goods. The office is responsible for some of the largest cities in southern Isaan, Thailand's northeastern region.
“I want to assure the people of southern Isaan that we will continue to protect them from illicit goods… I also urge the public to cooperate by checking for certification marks from relevant government agencies such as TIS (Thai Industrial Standard) or the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) before purchasing any products for consumption or use, to ensure the safety and health of your loved ones and yourself,” Mr. Prasit concluded.
