Bangkok: Special Case Investigators from the Technology and Information Crime Division of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) have submitted Special Case No. 52/2020 to the Office of Special Cases, Office of the Attorney General. The case involves the advertising of dietary supplements "D-Contact" and "D-Contact Plus," which have been found to contain exaggerated claims and have deceived the public. Charges will be filed against 17 individuals and four entities.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation began in 2020 following a complaint by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand. The complaint highlighted that advertisements on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and various websites unlawfully used the name and image of an ophthalmologist. These advertisements claimed that the dietary supplement "De-Contact" could treat eye diseases, including pterygium, pinguecula, cataracts, vitreous degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. However, as "De-Contact" is a dietary supplement and not a medicine, it cannot treat these eye conditions, making the claims false and misleading.
The investigation has resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects, comprising two juristic persons and 19 individuals. While 18 suspects have acknowledged the charges, they have not been detained, and one suspect remains at large. The DSI is actively working to bring all suspects to justice. The charges involve violations of the Computer-Related Crime Act of 2007, the Food Act of 1979, and the Criminal Code, covering false advertising, consumer deception, and the production and sale of counterfeit food.
Additionally, the DSI has divided the investigation into two parts. Special Case No. 52/2020 focuses on the complaint filed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand against the dietary supplement brand D-Contact and D-Contact Plus for exaggerating their properties. Special Case No. 53/2020 involves a similar complaint against the dietary supplement brand Zita or Zita Plus. The Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court delivered a verdict on May 16, 2025, sentencing the accused to imprisonment and fines.
The Department of Special Investigation has reiterated its commitment to taking robust legal actions to safeguard public rights. The DSI cautions the public against believing in advertisements for dietary supplements that make exaggerated claims, as they may pose health risks. The public is encouraged to report any such information to the DSI hotline at 1202-119.