As Thailand embraces the craze for “squishies” — soft toys squeezed for satisfaction — consumer protection authorities have warned against some unbranded products that may contain chemical residues exceeding safety standards.
The toys, first introduced years ago as stress relievers, have been enjoying renewed popularity following viral reviews by influencers and celebrities on social media this year.
Squishies come in a variety of shapes, often resembling food or baked goods. When squeezed, they provide “tactile satisfaction” before slowly returning to their original form.
In Bangkok, the trend is evident at Sampheng Market, where demand has surged. Parents, children and Gen Z teenagers have been flocking to buy the toys since the market opens at dawn.
Concerns over children’s safety have grown, however, as reports indicate that some unbranded imitations with unclear origins contain hazardous chemical residues above safety limits.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, a Prime Minister’s Office minister who oversees the Consumer Protection Board, said on Saturday she had ordered officials to monitor and issue warnings about substandard squishy toys.
The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has been instructed to inspect and remove unsafe products from both physical and online markets.
Ms Supamas said that the main risks include squishies made from low-grade materials, which may release chemical residues that irritate the respiratory system when inhaled over time.
She also warned that squishies designed to resemble food items could mislead small children into putting them in their mouths, posing choking hazards.
Producers, exporters and sellers will be jointly responsible if any damage is caused, she said, citing the the Product Liability Act.
“I urge parents to choose toys with Thai-language labels clearly identifying the manufacturer or importer and to look for the TISI certification mark,” Ms Supamas said.
“If a toy has a strong chemical odour or an unusually strong fragrance masking other smells, assume it is unsafe and avoid buying it.”
Squishies are primarily made from soft, flexible polymers, varying based on the specific type. One top brand from Japan is iBloom, known for premium squishies. Large iBloom squishies can sell for nearly 10,000 baht apiece.
Many countries restrict, seize or recall specific squishy products due to hidden safety hazards. The most common restrictions revolve around chemical toxicity and choking hazards.
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency in 2018 tested 12 squishies and found that they all released unacceptable levels of harmful substances, such as dimethylformamide, leading to their removal from the local market.
