Toxic Cream Scandal: Victims Demand Police Action After 2-Month Stall

Victims of a toxic face cream are urging the Consumer Protection Police Division to accelerate an investigation that has stalled for two months. Lab tests revealed dangerous levels of mercury, steroids, and hydroquinone in the product, which was illegally produced using a flour mixer. Police raided the clandestine facility and seized 20 kilograms of bulk cream and 1,000 jars ready for sale.

"They used a snack mixer to make the cream — by day they made snacks, by night they made cream. Even worse, it didn't meet any standards," lawyer Witthaya Kengngan stated.

Although samples were sent for re-confirmation to the Department of Medical Sciences over two months ago, results have not been released and the case has not progressed. The breakthrough came when two leaked audio clips surfaced. The first allegedly features a former deputy commander of a police unit, whose initials resemble a famous 1990s singer, reassuring the brand owner that the hazardous substance charges carry only a verbal fine, no jail time, and no severe punishment. The second clip captures one of the brand owners admitting to purchasing the flour mixer specifically to produce the cream, alternating its use between making snacks and cream.

Ms. Tiwaporn, known in the cream-selling circle as "Mae Miew 101," a distributor who also used the product herself, revealed she was one of those who trusted and promoted the expensive cream due to the brand's long-standing reputation. However, she suffered severe redness, peeling, burning, and itching. The brand claimed everyone must "break out" before becoming beautiful.

On September 2, she was summoned by police and shown evidence that the cream was illegally produced and contained highly dangerous substances. She immediately stopped selling and stayed silent out of fear of liability, while the brand never warned distributors or customers and simply rebranded to continue selling. Over 40 customers in her nationwide network have suffered damaged faces, severe acne, and inflamed skin, with some requiring hospitalization. She now speaks out as a voice for victims across the country.

Another victim, Bang-on Chanchai, a customer of Mae Miew, disclosed she spent tens of thousands of baht from savings and her husband's money to use the cream set continuously for seven months, trusting review photos showing improved skin. Despite experiencing burning and redness, she persisted, believing she had to endure it to become beautiful. When the cream ran out and she stopped, her face deteriorated severely, requiring two months of intensive treatment. She has now decided to come forward.