Cosmetics ads ‘switched to satellite TV’

4 more celebs meet police over scandal

Advertisements for illegal cosmetics and supplements have moved from digital TV to satellite TV channels, including those operated in Laos, Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), told the media yesterday.

Last week, three digital TV channels were fund running the illegal adverts but this week, it was discovered they were aired on seven satellite TV channels, including Lao Star that also broadcasts in Thailand. They range from supplements to whitening products as well as those claimed to be effective in improving sexual performance.

Mr Takorn said that in the three weeks since the NBTC began a joint surveillance programme with the FDA, the advertisement of illegal food supplements and cosmetics has markedly decreased.

In another development, four more celebrities yesterday met the deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Wirachai Songmetta, for questioning over their involvement in helping to promote Magic Skin Co’s products in exchange for money.

The four were Pitchaya “Golf” Nitipaisalkul, Sudarat “Tukky” Pho-namkham, Luckana “Oum” Wattanawongsiri and Wanida “Gybzy” Termthanaporn.

So far, 17 out of 37 celebrities still face questioning by the police in connection with Magic Skin.

Police on Sunday moved to press further charges against executives and owners of Magic Skin Co for producing and distributing illegal food supplements and cosmetics, according to deputy national police chief Wirachai Songmetta.

Ms Wannapha Phuangson and coowner Thananphan Boonyosit, face an additional charge of putting false

information on product labels which carries a fine of up to 30,000 baht.

Previously, both had been charged with fraud related to a product named Chlorophyll Detox Fibre and face jail terms from five months up to 10 years and a fine of 5,000 up to 100,000 baht.

Ms Wannapha and another owner, Mathurot Daengsamrit, were also charged with fraud in connection with the distribution of Slim Milk supplements.

Korn Phungson and Pawi Pandamrongsathit were charged with fraud over their

involvement in the promotion of a product under the brand Apple Slim.

For the Treechada-branded cosmetics, Ms Wannapha, Mr Korn and another owner, Treechada Jaisabai, were charged with fraud in connection with the distribution of the products, he said.

Mr Korn, who represents Magic Skin Co, along with Hanew Korea Co, was charged with colluding in the manufacturing of fake cosmetics.

The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of two years and/or a maximum

fine of 200,000 baht.

For three products under the Fern, Shinobi and Mezzo brands, police charged three additional suspects — Phinithi Dironwatthuphon, Maiyasit Sawangthammarat and Kasit Worachington — with producing and distributing fake food, said Pol Gen Wirachai. Previously, only Ms Wannapha and Mr Korn had been charged.

Ms Wannapha, who was released on bail previously, may face an arrest warrant after she failed to meet police investigators as required yesterday, he said.

PHOTOS BY APICHART JINAKUL 30-year-old Wutthikorn Mon-ing, far right, standing, who has blamed a Lyn-branded weight-loss product for his sister’s untimely death, is among consumers who gave interviews to police yesterday.

Wanida ‘Gybzy’ Termthanaporn, centre, joins a growing list of celebrities to be questioned over their alleged role in promoting products by Magic Skin Co.