Thailand seizes toys over cancer-risk chemicals

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute seized 19,665 illegal or substandard squishy toys in Bangkok’s Sampheng market area, worth 1,013,109 baht, and warned on Aug 3, 2026, that they may expose children to cancer-linked chemicals.

Ekniti Romyanon, secretary-general of TISI, said “squishy toys are classified as toys” and are controlled products that must meet Thailand’s safety standards, according to The Straits Times. He said the toys have become popular on social media and are sold widely across Thailand, but inspections found many did not display the TIS mark.

TISI said it had monitored online sales, including on TikTok, focusing on shops with large followings and strong viewing figures. A deeper investigation identified six major shops and distribution centres in Sampheng, where officials carried out immediate inspections.

The institute said one operator acted as both a seller and an unauthorised importer, while the other five sold substandard products. Sellers of products without the TIS mark face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both; unauthorised importers face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 2 million baht, or both.

Ekniti said substandard squishy toys are mostly made from polyurethane and low-grade foam and may contain residues of volatile organic compounds and phthalates. “These substances are associated with cancer risks and disruption of the endocrine system,” the report said.

Some toys resemble food and contain added fragrance, increasing the risk that young children put them in their mouths, the report said. Ekniti added: “Continuous contact with or inhalation of volatile substances could affect the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions.”