Popular Cafe Busted for Illegally Selling Drugs and Medical Devices to Over 50 Beauty Clinics
Bangkok authorities busted a popular cafe operating as an illegal distribution hub for unregistered cosmetic injectables and medical devices, seizing over 4 million baht in products supplied to more than 50 beauty clinics across Thailand fo
On May 21, 2025, Deputy Police General Kongkrit Leisitthikul ordered a joint operation led by Police Colonel Veerapong Klaithong and Police Major Anutsara Buaedang, in coordination with the Thai FDA (Food and Drug Administration), to dismantle an illegal online pharmaceutical and medical device distribution operation in Bangkok's Ladprao district. Authorities seized 777 items across 67 categories valued at over 4 million baht.
The investigation began after the FDA reported discovering unregistered injectable cosmetic products including Botox and anesthetic creams being distributed illegally. When injected—particularly on the face—these unregistered products risk ineffectiveness, allergic reactions, and serious harm to consumers.
Investigators found that a popular cafe was being used as a storage and distribution hub for both registered and unregistered pharmaceutical and medical products through online channels. Most inventory consisted of products popular in beauty clinics, including Botox, fillers, anesthetic creams, vitamins, and weight-loss pens.
A search warrant was executed at the cafe, revealing large quantities of medical devices and drugs, including registered products sold from an unauthorized location and unregistered products such as Hyaluronic Acid fillers, Botox, Nabota, Aestox, Hutox, Xeomin, Mounjaro, anesthetic creams, skin vitamins, and packaging materials.
During interrogation, the operator admitted to running a beauty clinic alongside the cafe using the clinic's name as a purchasing channel for drugs and medical equipment. Products were stored in the cafe and sold online, with cafe staff handling packaging and shipping through delivery services to over 50 beauty clinics in Bangkok and other provinces for approximately two years.
Initial charges filed include selling drugs without authorization, selling unregistered pharmaceutical formulations, selling medical devices by an unauthorized seller, and distributing unregistered products.
Dr. Supattra Bunserm, Secretary of the Food and Drug Administration, stated authorities will coordinate with legitimate product manufacturers to verify whether the seized items include counterfeit goods to ensure comprehensive legal action.
The FDA cautioned the public seeking cosmetic enhancements to use only licensed medical facilities with qualified physicians and verify product registration numbers through the FDA website or the "Mor Prom" mobile application. Injecting counterfeit products risks severe facial disfigurement or life-threatening complications.
Police General Natthasak Chaownasat, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stated this operation disrupted the supply chain of counterfeit pharmaceutical and medical products attempting to infiltrate the beauty industry. The storage location lacked proper temperature control and pharmaceutical storage standards required by law, risking product degradation, severe allergic reactions, facial disfigurement, and serious health consequences. He also warned beauty clinic operators against participating in such illegal operations.
