The Department of Medical Sciences is keeping a close watch on a new psychoactive substance detected in weight loss products in Thailand.

Desoxy-D2PM was first detected in Thailand in dietary supplements in September last year by the 10th Regional Medical Science Centre in Ubon Ratchathani, department director-general Sukhum Karnchanapimai said on Friday.

The department has since monitored the use of the substance closely and detected the presence of desoxy-D2PM in another four slimming products. It has also been found in dietary supplements exported to the US and Hong Kong, Dr Sukhum said.

Desoxy-D2PM is structurally similar to amphetamine-like compounds with stimulant effects on the central nervous system. It has appetite-suppressing and euphoric effects, he said. It is sold as a designer drug and has been used in the manufacture of so-called legal highs.

Overdose of desoxy-D2PM may lead to violent behaviour and hallucinations. It also affects the nervous system and heart and drives up blood pressure, which could be fatal, he said.

Desoxy-D2PM is banned in the UK and Sweden, though it remains uncontrolled in Thailand. The department has raised the issue with the Food and Drug Administration to list it as a Type-1 psychotropic substance which needs to be strictly controlled by the FDA, Dr Sukhum said.