Police have seized more than 32,000 counterfeit branded products from a Bangkok warehouse reportedly run by a Chinese national who imported the goods from China and sold them online at heavily discounted prices.

Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division executed a search warrant at an unnumbered warehouse in Soi Bueng Khwang 12/2 in the Saen Saep area of Min Buri district on Tuesday. They were joined by representatives of trademark owners and other officials.

The officers found the warehouse, hidden deep inside the alley, kept its front gate kept shut at all times. Inside, Thai workers were packing products into parcel boxes for shipment to customers using a fully equipped packing station.

A search uncovered 32,477 items bearing forged trademarks of well-known brands. The seized goods included 22,000 counterfeit car air fresheners, 7,000 counterfeit moisturising essences, 1,260 packs of matcha powder, more than 1,600 counterfeit engine oil products, and a quantity of counterfeit protein powder. All items were confiscated for further examination.

The search at the Min Buri warehouse uncovers counterfeit products ranging from engine oil and car air-fresheners to matcha powder. (Photo: Central Investigation Bureau)

The investigation began after representatives of the German lubricant manufacturer Liqui Moly filed a complaint with the ECD, reporting a surge in counterfeit engine oils being sold on online marketplaces at unusually low prices.

The company warned that the fake products could damage its brand reputation and potentially pose serious risks to consumers. Investigators subsequently traced the operation to the Min Buri warehouse.

Thai workers at the warehouse told police that a Chinese national identified as Zhu Fan had rented the premises about three months ago. The workers said they were paid 500 baht a day to pack and dispatch customer orders.

The employees said all of the products were imported directly from China, with the operation focusing on counterfeit engine oils as well as products trending on social media. The items were sold below market prices to generate quick profits.

Police said they would pursue legal action against the Chinese operator on charges of possessing counterfeit trademarked goods for sale in violation of the Trademark Act.

Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jaruprat, the ECD commander, said counterfeit engine oils in particular often fail to meet industrial standards and can seriously damage vehicle engines.

Counterfeit consumer goods and skincare products manufactured at substandard facilities may also contain harmful chemicals that could pose long-term health risks, he said.