Authorities Raid Chinese Minimarts for Contraband in Bangkok
Health and financial officials, accompanied by local police, raided 10 Chinese-owned minimarts in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district on October 1, 2024. The raids were a response to complaints about smuggled goods without FDA certification, creating unfair competition with lower prices. Authorities also investigated potential money laundering and tax issues, though results of the raids have not been disclosed.
On October 1, 2024, health and anti-money laundering officials, alongside local police, raided 10 Chinese-owned minimarts in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district.
This action followed complaints from the Network for Thai Entrepreneur Protection, which accused these stores of selling smuggled goods without FDA certification.
These goods lacked Thai language labeling, creating unfair competition due to their lower prices.
The raid was led by Thanakrit Chit-areerat, Vice Minister of Public Health, highlighting ongoing actions against 100 similar minimart cases this year.
The investigation included potential money laundering concerns and tax compliance checks.