BANGKOK, Thailand – Visitors and consumers are being reminded to remain aware of food safety standards after Thai authorities uncovered an alleged illegal orange juice production operation in Bangkok, seizing more than two tons of imported orange ingredients believed to have been used to make bottled drinks. The raid was carried out on July 8 by officers from Thailand’s Economic Crime Suppression Division, who searched a company facility and an unregistered warehouse in Soi On Nut 66, Prawet district, following information about suspected illegal imports.
Authorities said the operation allegedly involved canned orange segments imported from China without proper customs clearance and without approval from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The ingredients were reportedly used as raw materials for bottled orange juice sold to consumers. During the inspection, officers seized 112 boxes containing 672 cans of imported orange segments weighing a total of 2,016 kilograms. They also found bottled fruit drinks in various sizes believed to have been produced from the ingredients, along with empty cans used during production.
A company director, identified as Lamphai, later met with investigators and allegedly admitted that the orange segments were used to produce bottled orange juice for sale. She reportedly told authorities that production was carried out at night, while deliveries were made during the daytime based on customer orders. However, the company could not provide documents showing customs clearance or FDA approval for the imported ingredients. The suspect was charged under Thailand’s Customs Act for allegedly concealing, selling, transporting or receiving goods believed to be connected to customs offences. The offence carries penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods including duty, or both.
For tourists visiting Thailand, the case serves as a reminder to purchase food and drinks from established vendors, restaurants and shops that follow official regulations. Thailand remains well known for its street food culture, but authorities continue to crack down on individual operators suspected of bypassing food safety and import requirements. The suspect has been handed over to investigators from the Economic Crime Suppression Division for further legal proceedings. I would keep the tourism paragraph near the end, as it reassures visitors while still making the story relevant to them.
