Fake 'Made in Thailand' Tyres Scandal

A Chinese tyre manufacturer is under investigation by Thailand’s Industry Ministry. Said tyremaker allegedly smuggles sub-standard tyres into the country, rebranding them, and falsely labelling them for export as new products.

A source from the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the company’s name is being withheld while the investigation continues. The firm had reportedly been granted investment privileges to produce vehicle tyres in Thailand using raw materials imported from China.

Despite operating in Thailand, the company is said to have employed only Chinese workers too.

Authorities received tip-offs suggesting it had smuggled in defective tyres from China that failed to meet safety and quality standards. These tyres allegedly had their original logos or brand names removed before being rebranded and sold in Thailand.

A large number of these tyres were reportedly relabelled “Made in Thailand” and prepared for export. Officials fear this could damage Thailand’s reputation as a global producer of high-quality rubber tyres if substandard products are sold under the country’s name.

Ministry inspectors visited the company’s factory and discovered the altered tyres stored alongside locally manufactured ones, many of which were marked “for export only.” An official explanation from the company is still pending.

While Thailand's Industry Ministry is set on taking action against the company, questions remain over whether any of the defective, rebranded tyres have entered Malaysia—one of the major importers of Thai-made tyres.

Recently, the local market has seen a surge in unfamiliar tyre brands, likely from China and potentially Thailand, catering to the growing demand for low-cost options.