Khon Kaen Municipality Hunts Down Fish Dumpling Vendor Over Tissue Paper Discovery
Khon Kaen Municipality is hunting an unregistered street vendor after a customer found tissue paper inside fish dumplings purchased at a lakeside market. The unauthorized cart operator faces potential fines up to 10,000 baht if food safety
Khon Kaen Municipality is actively searching for an unregistered street vendor believed to be selling fish dumplings and sausages without proper registration. Initial investigation suggests the vendor may have sneaked into Gaen Nakhon Lakeside Market, which falls within the municipality's jurisdiction.
The incident began when a consumer purchased fish dumplings from the lakeside market and discovered tissue paper inside the food upon returning home. The consumer posted about the incident on social media, sparking widespread criticism.
On May 15, 2569 (2026), Deputy Mayor Nuchreevan Dordilert announced that the municipality had launched an immediate investigation. The market committee determined that the vendor in question was an unauthorized motorcycle cart operator, not a registered market merchant.
"Vendors at Gaen Nakhon Lakeside Market fall into two main categories: those properly registered with the municipality and walk-in vendors operating under our system," the deputy mayor explained. "However, this case involves a cart that doesn't belong to either group. We're currently identifying the vendor. Regarding the tissue paper found in the dumplings, we need to verify whether it's actually tissue paper, though video evidence appears to show something tissue-like. Today, we're conducting a joint investigation with the Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office."
The municipality conducts regular inspections of over 1,000 food establishments across the city, including fresh markets, community markets, and restaurants, covering roughly 35 areas. Each facility is inspected at least once annually, and complaints trigger immediate investigations.
According to the deputy mayor, this is an unprecedented incident. Licensed vendors must comply with established standards and regulations. While the municipality has vendor databases and monitoring systems, unauthorized carts sometimes slip in during nighttime hours or when staff presence is limited.
Initial investigation suggests the vendor may originate from the Wat That area, where various merchants operate despite municipal restrictions on designated areas. The municipality will coordinate with municipal police, market committees, and community representatives to track down the offending vendor.
If violations are confirmed, penalties could include approximately 2,000 baht for selling outside designated areas under the City Cleanliness and Order Act, or up to 10,000 baht under the Food Act if the food was deemed unsafe or illegal. Formal evidence collection and investigation results are pending.
