BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) have joined forces to crack down on the sale of substandard Squishy toys, seizing more than 31,000 items worth over THB 1.5 million during an inspection at Bangkok’s Sampeng Market.
The operation was led by Pradermchai Boonchuayluea, adviser to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, who said authorities were stepping up inspections because Squishy toys have become increasingly popular, particularly among children and young people.
Authorities warned that Squishy products without proper labels, clear sources of manufacture or evidence of compliance with safety standards could pose potential risks to consumers. The inspection campaign is therefore intended to prevent potentially unsafe products from reaching children.
Pradermchai said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had emphasized the importance of protecting children and young people from unsafe consumer products and instructed relevant agencies to closely monitor products commonly handled or used by children. Meanwhile, Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has instructed the OCPB to strictly enforce consumer protection laws, particularly against products with missing or incorrectly displayed labels.
Ekniti Romyanon, Secretary-General of TISI, said Squishy toys are classified as controlled toys under Thai law and must comply with Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 685 Part 1–2562. During the inspection at Sampeng Market, officials from the OCPB and TISI seized and impounded 31,213 Squishy toys, with a combined value exceeding THB 1.5 million.
The authorities will proceed with legal action and continue inspections at shops, markets, other retail outlets and online platforms to prevent substandard products from being sold to consumers.
Ekniti urged consumers to check Squishy toys carefully before purchasing them. Buyers should look for the TIS mark, check that the manufacturer’s name and information are clearly displayed, and avoid products with an unusually strong chemical smell, which could indicate the presence of potentially hazardous volatile substances.
Consumers are also advised to exercise caution with Squishies designed to resemble food and carrying sweet or attractive scents, as young children could mistake them for real food and accidentally bite or swallow them. Authorities stressed that parents and caregivers should pay particular attention when purchasing toys for young children, especially products that may come into direct contact with children’s hands or mouths. People who experience problems with goods or services can contact the OCPB hotline at 1166 or use the OCPB Connect application. (TNA)
