Thai FDA cracks down on exaggerated supplement advertising

Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration has stepped up enforcement against misleading advertising of dietary supplements, as regulators respond to a surge in exaggerated claims across social media.

The agency said on 6 March it is working with public health bodies and industry groups to tighten oversight, targeting promotions that promise disease cures, rapid weight loss, or sexual enhancement—claims it says are increasingly common online.

“The popularity of dietary supplements in Thailand has risen rapidly, resulting in a growing number of new business operators entering the market,” said Lertchai Lertvut, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai FDA. “At the same time, a major concern is the prevalence of exaggerated advertising on social media platforms.”

Authorities have also flagged cases where products were found to contain undeclared medicines or psychotropic substances to produce faster effects, raising safety concerns.

The move comes as Thailand’s supplement market expands, drawing new entrants and intensifying competition, particularly on digital platforms where regulation has struggled to keep pace.

In response, the Thai FDA is coordinating with the Department of Medical Sciences and a network of industry associations, including advertising and broadcasting bodies, to strengthen monitoring and improve compliance with labelling and marketing rules.

The regulator is also engaging businesses through forums to gather feedback and align enforcement with market conditions, even as it signals a tougher stance on violations.

Consumers, meanwhile, have been urged to follow a “three checks” approach before buying supplements: verify the FDA registration number, confirm the product source, and scrutinise advertising claims.