Hua Hin Raid Exposes Expired UHT Milk Relabeling Ring
A covert UHT milk operation cloaked behind a modest Hua Hin residence was dismantled this week, revealing expired dairy packs, unlicensed condiments and sophisticated repackaging tools that had been reaching doorsteps across Thailand.
At a Glance
• 13,000 confiscated items covering dairy, condiments and packaging materials
• 6,400 relabelled cartons of UHT milk expired beyond May 30, 2025
• 1.5 million baht worth of machinery, ingredients and stock
• Operation spanned a warehouse and a converted home factory in Hin Lek Fai sub-district
• Products sold via social-commerce platforms across Thailand
Raid unveils clandestine dairy scheme
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) executed a dawn sweep of two clandestine facilities in Hin Lek Fai sub-district, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Authorities targeted a warehouse used for bulk storage and a residential factory where dates were altered and packaging resealed.
Inside, officers documented 13,000 seized items, including 6,400 cartons of UHT milk originally stamped with May 30, 2025 expiry dates before falsification. Rows of coffee sachets, industrial syrups, monosodium glutamate, tubs of mayonnaise and production equipment were also removed, totaling 1.5 million baht in value.
Hidden dangers of expired UHT milk
UHT milk relies on a heat-treatment process and sterile packaging to achieve a shelf life of 9 to 12 months, making it a staple in many Thai households. However, nutrient degradation, temperature fluctuations and compromised seals can accelerate spoilage.
Once a carton’s integrity is breached, foodborne bacteria may proliferate unnoticed. Consumers—especially infants and the elderly—face heightened risk of foodborne illness, as toxin production, digestive distress, subtle spoilage, odor changes and unusual coloration often go unrecognized.
Online channels exploited
Thailand’s e-commerce grocery sector surged to ฿70B market in 2025, with social-commerce platforms like Line, Facebook, Shopee and Lazada unlocking grey-market deals.
Investigators say fraudsters acquire near-expiry stock through liquidation auctions, operate covert repackaging lines, engage in date tampering, seal products in unmarked packaging, ship via small parcels, deliver direct-to-consumer orders and exploit traceability gaps.
Legal consequences mounting
The alleged 36-year-old suspect confessed to orchestrating the scheme, triggering charges under the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) alongside fraud allegations, trademark violations and unlicensed production. Convictions carry up to 10 years in prison and multi-million baht fines.
Authorities plan to widen the investigation to auction houses and parcel distributors, aiming to dismantle the full supply chain. A dedicated lead prosecutor has been appointed to coordinate across provinces.
Consumer vigilance in the digital age
Thai shoppers can safeguard their families by taking simple steps: inspect heat seals carefully, watch for double-stickered dates and visible tampering, and verify scannable codes on each carton. Always note the production batch and expiry data, and purchase from approved distributors or official retail outlets.
If you encounter suspect products, document the issue with your phone, keep purchase receipts and contact the FDA hotline 1556 or submit evidence via the FoodWatch mobile app. Prompt reporting protects consumer rights and public health.
Building a traceable food system for Thailand
To deter future fraud, the Food and Drug Administration is advancing a QR-code traceability proposal. This system would provide real-time verification of manufacturing records, expiry confirmation and logistics integration, requiring auction transparency and industry collaboration to empower consumers and fortify Thailand’s food safety network.
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