Samut Prakan: NBTC cracks down on nearly ten thousand mobile phones that do not match their descriptions and do not support 5G as advertised, warning people to check carefully before buying mobile phones online.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trirat Viriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), disclosed that on May 30, 2025, a significant operation was conducted by the Phra Phai Unit, in collaboration with officers from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), Cyber Police, Customs Department, and Excise Department. The raid targeted a company in Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province, which distributed TIMI brand mobile phones and tablets. Despite having submitted a technical standard certification from the NBTC, public complaints regarding the devices’ quality, slowness, and inability to support 5G prompted the investigation.
The inspection revealed that the mobile phones and tablets did not meet the technical standards as certified. The distributors were found guilty of importing and distributing radio communication devices without the requisite technical standard certification from the NBTC. A total of 9,540 substandard devices, valued at approximately 33 million baht, were seized. The authorities are now collecting evidence to prosecute the offenders under the Radio Communications Act at the Samut Prakan City Police Station.
The raid highlighted that these mobile phones and tablets were sold primarily through online channels, lacking physical stores. Some devices were returned by customers due to defects. This operation marks the first collaborative effort with the Consumer Protection Board to inspect product standards against advertised claims. Consumers encountering such issues are advised to report them via the Consumer Protection Board hotline 1166. The NBTC office will scrutinize technical standard certificates to ensure compliance, and any illegal use of Garuda stickers will lead to legal action.
Mr. Trirat urged consumers to scrutinize the price and features of mobile phones or tablets before purchasing, ensuring they buy from reputable stores or dealers. With the increasing trend of online shopping, advertisements may not always align with the actual product capabilities, such as falsely claiming 5G support. The NBTC office is committed to intensifying inspections and coordinating with relevant agencies to combat evolving forms of online fraud, which may also interfere with mobile network services due to uncertified devices.