Thailand dismantles cattle growth-promoter network after eight-month operation

Enforcement reaches five provinces

Thai police and livestock authorities have dismantled a network suspected of distributing and using banned growth promoters across the beef supply chain. The operation ran for more than eight months and covered 16 locations in Pathum Thani, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Phetchaburi, according to Sanook.

The investigation found evidence linked to growth promoters in beef, cattle urine, animal feed, feed ingredients and manufacturing equipment. Than Settakij reported that 967 cattle were connected to the alleged offences and that authorities seized or froze cattle, feed, raw materials and equipment valued at 32,366,240 baht. Investigators also traced more than 80 million baht in financial flows linked to an upstream seller. Sanook gave the precise total of incoming and outgoing transactions as 80,289,292 baht.

Sorawut Nuangjamnong, secretary to the agriculture and cooperatives minister and commander of the Phra Phirun agricultural and food security operations centre, said the action was intended to stop affected cattle and beef before they entered the public food chain. Than Settakij put the intercepted volume at more than 125 tonnes.

From a meat stall to feed production

The case began expanding on 11 February 2026, when officials inspected a beef shop in a market in Pathum Thani and detected growth-promoter residues in meat, Sanook reported. Investigators followed the supply chain to a Saraburi cattle farm, where an inspection on 19 February found 21 cattle and positive results in sampled urine.

A second Saraburi farm inspected on 25 February held 257 cattle. Samples again tested positive, while officers collected suspected feed and premix for further examination. On 27 May, authorities inspected a feed facility in Suphan Buri and found 220 sacks of suspected animal feed.

Two more Suphan Buri feed production and sales sites were searched on 4 June. Officials found large quantities of feed, raw materials and machinery, as well as 100 cattle whose sampled urine tested positive. Simultaneous searches at seven locations in Kanchanaburi and Suphan Buri followed on 11 June. Sanook said most of the feed facilities uncovered during those searches lacked licences to manufacture specifically controlled animal feed.

An inspection on 25 June found unregistered feed at another Suphan Buri facility. Laboratory examination subsequently detected a growth promoter in the product. The latest searches cited by Sanook took place on 14 August at two feed and cattle-farm locations in Phetchaburi, where officers found unregistered feed that remained under examination.

Supplier arrested as inquiry continues

Police arrested a suspected unauthorised seller of the substances on 4 September 2026 after tracing evidence through the network. Authorities are continuing to investigate other participants, distribution routes and possible organisers.

The substances identified by officials belong to the beta-agonist group, including salbutamol. They can increase lean tissue and reduce fat, potentially improving the commercial appearance and value of cattle, but their use in feed for animals entering the food chain is prohibited in Thailand.

Somchuan Rattanamangkhalanon, director-general of the Department of Livestock Development, said residues could affect consumers, particularly people with heart disease, hypertension or diabetes, as well as pregnant women and children. Reported symptoms include abnormal heartbeat, tremors, nausea, vomiting and dizziness; severe exposure can be life-threatening.

The department warned that mixing banned chemicals into animal feed can lead to imprisonment and fines. It advised consumers to buy meat from reliable sellers and look for the Livestock OK certification. For cattle producers, feed manufacturers and beef traders, the investigation also signals tighter scrutiny of feed registration, manufacturing licences and traceability from the farm to the retail counter.