Bangkok: The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) board has approved the control of 'immersion water heaters', following concerns over their widespread availability online and potential risks to public safety. The decision reflects a broader initiative by the Ministry of Industry to enhance safety standards for products that directly impact the lives and property of the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkanat Promphan, Minister of Industry, announced that the move is part of the 'Save Thai Industry' policy, aimed at reforming the industrial sector towards a new era economy. The initiative seeks to supervise and ensure product quality standards, particularly for electrical appliances such as immersion water heaters, which have been identified as potentially hazardous due to their widespread sale on popular online platforms.
The TISI board meeting held on February 18, 2025, not only approved the regulation of immersion water heaters but also extended control to other products. Mr. Banjong Sukreetha, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Chairman of the Industrial Product Standards Committee (IPC), disclosed that 'electric toilet seats for flat-seat toilets' and 'polypropylene resin (PP plastic pellets)' were also designated as controlled products. Additionally, the meeting approved 67 product standards and testing methods, including those for fiberglass insulation, floor scrubbers, and smoke extractors.
Mr. Wanchai Phanomchai, Secretary-General of TISI, elaborated on the specifics of the immersion water heaters, also known by their standard name 'Portable Immersion Heater' TIS 60335 Volume 2 (74) - 2565. These appliances are used to generate hot or warm water and operate at a voltage not exceeding 250 volts. The standard addresses critical safety aspects such as electric leakage and shock prevention, including a test for water ingress protection by immersing the device in water for 30 minutes. The enforcement of this standard is anticipated in the last quarter of the year. Mr. Phanomchai advised the public to refrain from using these heaters until quality certification for safety is established, as they may pose life-threatening risks.