#Consumerprotection

A recent study has revealed that many casinos are strategically using blue-heavy lighting schemes to manipulate the behavior and decision-making processes of gamblers, raising fresh questions about the ethics and psychology behind casino design. The research, showcasing the subtle but powerful ways that environmental factors can sway human actions, is particularly relevant to Thailand as it debates the future of legal gaming and examines international best practices amid regional gambling booms.

As Thai consumers increasingly reach for probiotic supplements in the pursuit of gut health and general wellness, a wave of new international research is challenging the value of these products—and warning of potential risks for some individuals. The probiotic market, which ballooned to an estimated US$87.7 billion (about 3 trillion baht) globally in 2023, is projected to be worth even more in Asia, with Thailand among the countries seeing swift growth in sales at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online shops. But according to a recent investigation spotlighted by Fortune, many probiotic supplements may not offer meaningful health benefits, and under certain circumstances, they could even backfire for the consumer (fortune.com; msn.com).

The explosive rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has ushered in a new wave of deceptive online marketing, with AI-generated “deepfakes” flooding platforms such as TikTok to push unverified—and often dangerous—sexual health cures and supplements. Recent investigations reveal that these convincing but fraudulent videos, which often feature deepfaked celebrities and so-called “AI doctors,” are duping millions of viewers worldwide and putting public health at risk, according to a report by AFP published on Tech Xplore (techxplore.com).

A social media fitness influencer with over five million followers has ignited a widespread controversy after publicly sharing that her recent weight loss success involved the use of a GLP-1 class medication, commonly known by names such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The disclosure, made in a YouTube video titled “Let’s talk: Therapy, GLP-1 & The Truth About My Recent Weight Loss,” has set off heated discussions about transparency, ethical responsibility, and the realities of the online wellness industry.

A new dietary supplement, Lipozem, has made waves internationally as an all-natural weight loss aid boasting multiple health benefits, from boosting metabolism to improving heart health. Marketed as a plant-based, science-backed alternative and claiming to help users burn stubborn fat without extreme diet or exercise, Lipozem has drawn considerable attention among Thai consumers and health enthusiasts amid rising interest in wellness products worldwide. As Thais face growing health challenges related to obesity and chronic diseases, is Lipozem truly the game-changer its proponents claim—or just more marketing magic?

A recent US-based investigation has rocked the dental care industry, with new research revealing that the majority of toothpaste brands—some specifically marketed for children or as “green” alternatives—are contaminated with toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The findings, released in April 2025, have raised serious public health concerns for families worldwide, including in Thailand, where toothpaste is a staple in daily hygiene routines and global brands are widely used.

A trip to the supermarket these days is as much a marketing battleground as a chance to stock up on groceries. With promises like “heart healthy,” “high in protein,” and “low-carb” splashed across everything from yogurt to granola bars, health-conscious Thai shoppers may feel reassured about their food choices. But new research and mounting global scrutiny reveal that these claims are often more about sales than substance—prompting both consumers and regulators to rethink how healthy our processed foods really are (Yahoo Lifestyle, 2025).