"Supamas" reveals "Anutin" is concerned about consumers, orders "Consumer Protection Board" to inspect canned fish factory

Today (6 May 2026), 10:00 AM at Government House, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office, stated before inspecting a canned fish factory in Samut Sakhon province that the Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already reported on the inspection on the evening of May 5th. The FDA has existing laws to regulate production to ensure product standards. Regarding previous news reports, the factory owner confirmed that 60% of the fish was mackerel, but consumers believe it is unlikely to be this type. There are two possibilities: black-chinned tilapia or Nile tilapia, which require verification by the Department of Fisheries. "This will help identify the type of fish,"

Ms. Supamas said. She added that the Prime Minister, aware of the situation and concerned for the public, has instructed the OCPB to take immediate action and protect consumers. The OCPB's duty is to directly assist consumers who have suffered damages. In this case, the factory has already negotiated and compensated for the damages, but there are other affected individuals in the same batch who have not yet filed complaints. It is the OCPB's responsibility to investigate these cases. Today, a government-sponsored site visit will be conducted to reassure consumers that the government is overseeing businesses when they choose goods or services, ensuring their peace of mind and safety.

When asked if there would be a widespread inspection of other factories, Ms. Supamas replied that the inspections are expected to be friendly and not involve forceful arrests like those carried out by government officials with such authority.

Ms. Supamas further stated, "We protect consumers; they must not be deceived, exploited, or cheated. This case falls under the OCPB's law regarding consumer rights, specifically the right to sufficient and accurate information and correct labeling. In this case, consumers believed the fish to be mackerel, which constitutes misleading advertising." Furthermore, consumers have the right to freely choose products. In this case, consumers believed they had selected mackerel. If they had known it wasn't that type of fish, they might not have bought it. Therefore, consumers have the right to compensation. The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) will handle the legal action. Such incidents should not happen again. There needs to be vigilance and oversight of products; otherwise, other brands could be affected, causing panic and discouragement from consuming those products. The number of such products is small compared to the number of products that meet standards.

Ms. Supamas reiterated that this afternoon, the OCPB, along with the Provincial Industry Office, the Provincial Public Health Office, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and all relevant agencies in Samut Sakhon province, will be visiting the area to ensure consumers receive fair treatment and maintain confidence in consuming canned fish and other canned foods.

When asked about any warnings she would like to issue to businesses that continue to exploit the public, Ms. Supamas stated that the unrest in the Middle East has affected Thailand both directly and indirectly. The public is more sensitive than usual because everyone is experiencing economic hardship. Therefore, she urged businesses not to further burden their fellow Thais and to show empathy during this difficult time. If they cannot help, they should not harm them.

When asked further about the quality control of the products in the current government-sponsored "Thai Help Thai Plus" project, which sells goods at affordable prices, Ms. Supamas stated that there was no need to worry, as the products in the "Thai Help Thai Plus" project are sourced from large factories and distributed by leading retailers, thus ensuring they meet quality standards.

Ms. Supamas added that the "Thai Help Thai Plus" project is an initiative where businesses of the same type sympathize with Thai people in similar circumstances and are willing to make sacrifices or engage in what is known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or what might be called selling goods at no profit to help fellow Thais overcome these difficulties by offering them at fair and affordable prices.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong