Bangkok: Deputy Industry Minister Yot Singh visited Bang Khun Thian to monitor the seizure of over 12,000 substandard electrical appliances. He found over 10,000 items missing from a warehouse and ordered the TISI to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
According to Thai News Agency, Petty Officer 1st Class Yossing Liamlert, Deputy Minister of Industry, revealed after inspecting a warehouse in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian District, where the TISI had seized over 12,000 items, valued at over 2,373,700 baht, since May 13, 2015. The items included hair dryers, adapters, power banks, toasters, electric stoves, LED light bulbs, and helmets. The inspection revealed that over 10,000 of the seized items were missing from the warehouse. He has ordered the TISI to follow up and expand the investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and recover the seized items. TISI has also been instructed to review the storage facilities currently under legal proceedings, which will take time for the case to be finalized. He cautioned the public to exercise caution when purchasing electrical appliances, urging them to purchase only items certified by the TIS and avoid substandard products, to ensure safety and property.
Mr. Ekniti Romyanon, Secretary-General of TISI, added that this business operator sells products through the Shopee platform. The warehouse, located at 859/15 Anan Ngam Charoen Road, Tha Kham Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok, does not have TISI's manufacturing and import permits. Legal proceedings are underway for selling substandard products, which carries a penalty of up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. A visit to the site today revealed the smuggling of over 10,000 items, leaving only 315 remaining. This is a serious violation of the law, punishable by up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Furthermore, the operator is also guilty of violating Section 142 for removing seizure documents from officials, which carries a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. TISI officials have already filed a report as evidence. The warehouse manager claimed he did not own the products, but only packed th em when they were ordered. He was unaware of the import process and details of the imported products. However, his actions are illegal. and causing damage to the economy and public safety, therefore legal action must be taken.