SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – A Thai couple remained in critical condition at Samut Prakan Hospital after ingesting unverified brain-boosting pills purchased from a private clinic.
Emergency call in Soi Bearing 12
At approximately 00:00, emergency number 1669 received a distress call from the couple’s daughter in Soi Bearing 12, Samut Prakan Province. Paramedics discovered Mr. Krin, aged 45, and Mrs. Khemjira, aged 44, suffering from breathing difficulty, chest pain, and vomiting.
“My parents can’t breathe anymore!”
said the couple’s daughter during the emergency call.
Both patients were transported directly to Samut Prakan Hospital, where doctors initiated intensive treatment and continuous monitoring of their vital signs.
Tablets bought from private clinic
Investigators confirmed that the daughter had purchased the tablets—marketed as brain-enhancement pills—from a private medical clinic earlier that week. She told doctors the capsules were meant to improve cognitive function for her parents.
“They should improve memory,”
said the daughter while speaking with hospital physicians.
According to medical staff, the couple fell ill after consuming only one tablet each.
Officials assess potential causes
Hospital representatives said that as of Tuesday, the medical team had not yet identified the precise cause of the toxic reaction.
“We are investigating all possibilities,”
said a hospital spokesperson.
Authorities noted that the pills were previously advertised as supplements for stroke patients and dementia sufferers, despite lacking formal approval from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Wider concerns about unsafe supplements
Thailand’s FDA first warned in 2022 about similar unlicensed products, including Gomax Coffee, which was later found to contain the prescription drug Sildenafil.
“That can cause blindness!”
said official FDA statements in 2022.
In July 2024, residents in Pattaya exposed a scam involving expensive, unapproved supplements sold under false medical claims. These incidents have renewed scrutiny of private distributors and online sellers across Thailand.
Warning to consumers
Public health experts urged citizens to avoid self-medicating and to ensure that all products display valid FDA registration numbers.
“Buy only registered products!”
said health experts in the official advisory.
Authorities stressed vigilance when purchasing from private clinics or internet-based vendors. The Samut Prakan case has reinforced nationwide concern about the dangers of unregulated supplements.
Key warnings issued by Thai agencies:
– Verify FDA approval before consumption
– Avoid online and private clinic purchases
– Report suspicious supplements to local health offices
As of Wednesday afternoon, both Krin and Khemjira were still receiving life-support treatment, while investigators traced the source and composition of the pills involved.