Grande Mistake: Roi Et Woman Caught With Fake Starbucks Coffee Worth 1 Million Baht

ROI ET — Police have raided a warehouse in Roi Et province, seizing 104 counterfeit ready-to-drink Starbucks coffee products and 20 fake Starbucks cold cups as part of a haul of over 400 counterfeit goods worth more than 1 million baht.

Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division, together with officials from the Department of Intellectual Property, searched the warehouse in Mueang district following a tip-off from Starbucks representatives. The counterfeit products — including bottled Frappuccinos, cold brew coffees, and the iconic Starbucks cold cups — were being prepared for distribution across the northeastern region.

A woman believed to be the operator of the operation has been taken in for questioning. She faces charges under Thailand's Intellectual Property Act, which carries penalties of up to four years' imprisonment and fines of up to 800,000 baht.

Counterfeit food and beverage products pose a particular risk, as they are not subject to the same quality and safety controls as legitimate products. "Consumers who purchase these products have no idea what is actually inside the bottle," a police spokesperson warned. "It could be anything. Please only buy from authorised retailers."

The case is a reminder of the scale of the counterfeit goods trade in Thailand, which ranges from luxury handbags and watches to everyday consumables. While the bust is a win for brand protection, it also raises questions about enforcement capacity — this was just one warehouse in one province, and there are likely many more.

For now, the fake Starbucks will be destroyed, and the alleged counterfeiter faces the consequences. But the demand for cheap goods shows no signs of slowing down.

This is Ann Srisawat for Global1 News, reporting from Bangkok. 🇹🇭