BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities have warned the public against using or purchasing unauthorized electrical equipment without the required Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) certification, citing the risk of electrical short circuits and potentially fatal fires.
The warning follows an inspection by the special operations unit “Top Gun” and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) at a warehouse operated by New Starlight Tech (Thailand) Co., Ltd. on Srinakarin Road. The company imports and distributes electrical products under the Konwa brand and is facing legal action over alleged imports of substandard products and the unauthorised removal of seized goods.
According to Nontanat Bunnak, spokesperson for the Top Gun unit, authorities originally seized 60,064 items on March 24, 2021, including lamps, light bulbs, electrical cables, plugs and power supplies, with a reported value of 11.5 million baht. The Industrial Products Standards Committee approved the destruction of the seized products on December 18, 2024. However, when TISI inspected the seized goods on January 23, 2025, officials found that they were all missing.
Authorities later discovered another large quantity of allegedly substandard products and conducted a second seizure involving 52,854 items worth approximately 26.35 million baht, including power supplies, adapters, electrical cables, lamp drivers, lighting fixtures and light bulbs. On September 17, 2026, Top Gun officers and TISI inspected a warehouse operated by Hualiang LED Lighting Co., Ltd., where they found a large quantity of Konwa electrical products. The company reportedly told authorities that it had received the products from New Starlight Tech.
Further investigation found that 28,060 items previously seized by TISI in January 2025 were missing. Authorities suspect the products were removed and distributed for sale. The Top Gun unit has called on TISI to pursue legal action against New Starlight Tech on all relevant charges. TISI Secretary-General Aekniti Romyanon said electrical products under TISI control require approval before manufacture or import and must pass safety testing under TIS requirements. He warned that substandard electrical equipment can cause short circuits, potentially leading to fires and damage to lives and property.
The public was advised to avoid purchasing Konwa electrical products from the company in question and to check that electrical equipment has the required TIS certification before buying. Authorities said importing substandard products can carry a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 2 million baht, or both. Removing TISI seizure labels can carry up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 40,000 baht, while illegally moving seized goods can carry up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 60,000 baht.
