Thai authorities have closed a pirate radio station in the capital Bangkok after it broadcast misleading ads for health products.

The Bangkok Post reported that the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) raided the station’s premises together with the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Protection Police Division on  June 17.

Thailand has hundreds of community radio stations dotted along the FM band that were originally set up without licences.

Over the past few years, authorities have insisted that stations register with the broadcasting regulator.

Individuals caught in possession of illegal broadcasting equipment face fines of up to 100,000 baht (US$3,200) and/or up to five years in jail.

The fine is extended to 5 million baht ($160,000) for illegal broadcasting, according to local media.