Increased Penalties for Counterfeit Drugs in Thailand
Thailand ’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to increase fines on importers, sellers, and manufacturers of fake drugs. Currently, the FDA is proposing to amend Drug Act of B.E. 2510 where manufacturers can be fined up to 5 million baht (about US$168,000) while importers and sellers can be fined up to 2 million baht (about US$67,000).Based on the current Drug Act of B.E. 2510, fake drug manufacturers can be imprisoned for life with a maximum fine of 50,000 baht (about US$1,681). Fake drug importers and sellers can be jailed for up to 20 years with a maximum fine of 10,000 baht (about US$336). The new amendment would not change the jail terms, but would increase the maximum fines as outlined above.
9 January 2008