Thailand Seizes 20,000 Unsafe Squishy Toys in Safety Crackdown

Thailand's Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) seized nearly 20,000 uncertified squishy toys worth more than 1 million baht from shops and distribution centres in Bangkok's Sampheng market area following inspections of six businesses that uncovered 19,665 squishy toys failing to meet mandatory safety requirements.

Ekniti Romyanon, TISI secretary-general, explained that squishy products are legally classified as toys and must comply with Thai Industrial Standard TIS 685 Part 1-2019, with required TIS certification marks before legal import or sale in Thailand. TISI launched the inspections after monitoring the toys' growing popularity on social media and online platforms including TikTok, focusing on stores with large followings before tracing products to six major shops and distribution centres in Sampheng. One operator was acting as both seller and unauthorised importer, while five were selling uncertified products; all six face legal action.

Convictions for selling substandard products carry up to six months imprisonment, fines up to 500,000 baht, or both, while unauthorised importers face up to two years imprisonment and fines up to 2 million baht. Ekniti warned that uncertified squishy toys may contain unsafe chemical levels, heavy metals, fragrances and coatings, with many made from polyurethane or low-grade foam potentially containing volatile organic compounds and phthalates linked to cancer risks, endocrine disruption, respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. Some toys designed to resemble food with added fragrances could encourage young children to place them in their mouths, risking chemical exposure or choking, while the moisture-retaining material may allow bacteria and fungal growth if improperly cleaned. Consumers were advised to check for TIS marks before purchasing toys, particularly those for young children.