Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - June 26, 2002
Anjira Assavanonda
Secretary-general Vichai Chokeviwat announced the ruling after FDA inspectors went to check out PK Anti-Virus company's head office in Bangkok and its branch in Kanchanaburi.
The Network for People Living with HIV/Aids recently accused Wat Nong Sam Phran in Kanchanaburi province and PK Anti-Virus of portraying the herbal drug as a miracle cure for HIV/Aids, and selling it at 3,000 baht for a month's dose.
Dr Vichai said FDA officials inspected the firm's head office on Pracharat 1 road, in Bang Sue district, and found a single desk, a chair and a worker who knew very little.
It was understood the proprietor had used the office to dispense the herbal drug to patients.
Investigators also went to the company's branch at 191 Saeng Chuto road, tambon Ta Makham, in Muang district, Kanchanaburi - the address on the product's label and brochure - but it turned out the place did not exist.
Officials had also checked with the post office to verify the owner of Post Box 44 Muang district, which was a contact address between the distributor and customers, and found it was rented by a person named "Danai", who was nowhere to be found.
"From the evidence we have at the moment, the case could be clearly considered public fraud. It is unclear whether the temple was also deceived or was in collusion with the firm," Dr Vichai said.
Distribution of the drug at the temple without a licence could be considered a violation of the 1967 Drug Act, which carried a penalty of up to three years in jail and/or a fine of 5,000 baht.
Also, if it was found that the drug's effectiveness had been exaggerated as alleged, the wrongdoers could be fined up to 100,000 baht.
Dr Vichai said the drug was registered with the FDA in March this year as a traditional medicine.
It was a brown herbal compound in a pink capsule, manufactured by Asia Osot in tambon Plubplachai, Uthong district, Suphan Buri, he said.
The drug was claimed to purify the blood and help women with menstruation problems. The dose was 1-2 capsules twice daily.
Dr Vichai said FDA officials would inspect the factory in Suphan Buri today.
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BP020607
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