During the operation, officials accused the pharmacy of producing and selling unregistered herbal products at inflated prices, while making false claims about their benefits. They also alleged that the shop threatened tourists who declined to purchase the items.
Inspectors seized a range of herbal products and other evidence, including colorful ground herbal powders, coconut oil, honey, hair oil, mixing utensils, and documents in both Thai and English detailing exaggerated claims and prices. Additionally, foreign workers at the pharmacy without proper work permits were arrested. Authorities also confiscated 19 jars of Dabur Chyawanprash and 30 bottles of Kayam Churna due to lack of licensing in Thailand. All suspects and evidence were handed over to Pattaya Police for further legal action.
The pharmacy operators now face charges under Thailand’s Herbal Products Act of 2019, which prohibits the production and sale of unregistered herbal products without a license. Penalties can include up to three years in prison or a fine of 300,000 baht, or both. Selling unregistered products may also result in up to one year in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensan, who led the operation, urged tourists who felt threatened by the shop’s employees to come forward and file formal complaints at the Pattaya City Police Station.
