Thousands of Counterfeit Goods Seized in Bangkok Warehouse Linked to Chinese National

Police have seized over 32,000 counterfeit branded products from a warehouse in Bangkok's Min Buri district. Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) executed a search warrant on Tuesday at the warehouse, uncovering a large quantity of counterfeit goods. The seized items include approximately 22,000 counterfeit car air fresheners, 7,000 moisturizing essences, about 1,260 packs of matcha powder, over 1,600 counterfeit engine oil products, and protein powder. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from German lubricant manufacturer Liqui Moly to the ECD, reporting a surge in counterfeit engine oils being sold at unusually low prices on online marketplaces. The company warned that these fake products could damage its brand reputation and pose serious risks to consumers. Thai workers at the warehouse told police that a Chinese national identified as Zhu Fan had rented the premises about three months ago. The workers stated they were paid 500 baht a day to pack and dispatch customer orders. They reported that all products were imported directly from China, with a focus on counterfeit engine oils and items trending on social media. The operation aimed to generate quick profits by selling goods below market prices. Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jaruprat, the ECD commander, highlighted that counterfeit engine oils often fail to meet industrial standards and can cause serious damage to vehicle engines. He also noted that counterfeit consumer goods and skincare products manufactured in substandard facilities may contain harmful chemicals, posing long-term health risks. Police plan to pursue legal action against the Chinese operator on charges of possessing counterfeit trademarked goods for sale, in violation of the Trademark Act.