Bangkok: The Ministry of Industry recently conducted an extensive operation in the Bang Phli district, uncovering over 1,300 tires with counterfeit or removed brand names, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal tire sales. The operation, known as "Top Gun-TIS," targeted 11 tire shops in the Samut Prakan province, where authorities seized 1,341 tires valued at over 7.1 million baht. These tires were found lacking the required TIS (Thai Industrial Standard) markings or using fraudulent licenses, and are now subject to legal proceedings. Investigations are underway to trace the source of production and import.
According to Thai News Agency, General Nakrob Boonbuathong, who chairs the committee overseeing the enforcement of the Industrial Product Standards Act, led the operation with support from over 40 officers from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI). The coordinated effort involved five teams inspecting major tire retailers' warehouses in the district. This operation follows a similar seizure of substandard tires in Nonthaburi Province on August 20, 2026.
General Nakrob reported that 18 of the seized tires lacked the TISI mark and QR code, while 1,315 tires were suspected of counterfeiting the TISI mark and falsely claiming to originate from licensed factories. Discrepancies were found between label information and license details upon scanning the QR codes, and eight tires with erased brand names were identified, raising concerns about their quality and origin. These findings highlight a significant safety risk, as substandard tires can lead to accidents at high speeds. General Nakrob urged consumers to verify the TISI mark and QR code before purchasing tires to ensure safety and compliance with standards.
Mr. Ekniti Ramyayanon, Secretary-General of TISI, emphasized that the seized tires, intended for passenger cars and pickup trucks, are required to meet specific TISI standards related to performance, durability, and safety. Failure to meet these standards increases the risk of accidents. Tires without identifiable manufacturer or importer information, often sold at low prices, pose additional dangers on public roads. The business owner involved faces severe penalties for selling non-compliant products, including imprisonment and fines. TISI will continue investigating manufacturers and importers, with unauthorized production or importation resulting in similar penalties.