Thai PBS Verify found a TikTok channel with over 7 million likes posting content claiming that consuming drinks from convenience stores can prevent pregnancy and stop depression. Pediatricians and psychiatrists warn not to believe it.
Source: X
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A screenshot shows an X user questioning the TikTok channel “Khong Man Tong Kin (A Must-Eat)” for creating a clip claiming that an affordable drink recipe can prevent pregnancy.[/caption]
Fact-Checking Process
Sure, here's the translation:
Upon investigation, it was found that the X user named ‘Aertha,’ posted a screenshot on February 3, 2025, showing screenshot from a TikTok channel ‘Khong Man Tong Kin (A Must-Eat).’ The clip was posted on February 1, 2025, and shared affordable drink recipes from 7-Eleven, claiming they could prevent pregnancy. The clip detailed various recipes as follows:
Recipe 1: A mix of soda and an energy drink, costing 30 Baht. Consuming this after taking emergency contraception and continuing for 3-5 days will nearly eliminate the chance of pregnancy.
Recipe 2: A combination of green tea and coffee, costing 45 Baht. Consume this mixture continuously for 5-7 days after taking emergency contraception.
Recipe 3: A mix of soda and sparkling soda, costing 25 Baht. Consume this once a month for seven consecutive days for those wishing to stop having children.
The clip included a description stating, “If you’re consuming these, you need to stop because it affects pregnancy (no drama please).” After the clip was shared, it sparked a flood of criticism and debate in the comments section. One of them, captured as a screenshot, was from a user named “You Must Know?” who claimed to be a medical student. The comment stated, “As a medical student, I can confirm these do make pregnancy more difficult. However, I suggest the channel explains this more clearly, as the current explanation might cause misunderstandings. Just concerned.” This comment received 1,910 likes. The page “Khong Man Tong Kin (A Must-Eat)” which created the clip, responded, “Got it, thank you so much.”
However, later, a Facebook user named “Watthana Nuntaphum” clarified that he is the person in the profile photo of the “You Must Know?” account. He explained, “In this incident, someone misused my photo to comment and spread misleading information. To clarify once again, I have no connection to the ‘You Must Know?’ account or any other accounts—those are fake accounts. Thank you to everyone who noticed the news and promptly informed me to solve the issue.”
Additionally, updates on the case revealed that someone created an apology video. The photo of a boy, allegedly 14 years old, was used to explain, “From the drama on the “Khong Man Tong Kin (A Must-Eat)” channel, I used a doctor’s photo to comment. I’m not a doctor or anything—I’m just a student. I want to say sorry to everyone and especially to the doctor for causing people to criticize him. My mom is very stressed about this situation, and I lied to her, saying it was resolved. I have no connection to the “Khong Man Tong Kin (A Must-Eat)” channel; I just saw the drama, found the photo in ChatGPT, and commented. I want to say sorry to everyone and promise this won’t happen again. To those who messaged me angrily, I’m sorry."
However, when the victim requested the boy to show his ID card for identity verification, the account was deleted.
Apart from the “drinks to prevent pregnancy” content, we searched by keywords and found that that the same page had previously created content about a recipe for a depression-relief drink from 7-Eleven. An X user named “Yak Kin Kai Tod (Want to Eat Fried Chicken)” also captured a screenshot of this content. It featured a specific brand of chocolate milk recommended to be mixed with plain milk from another brand, then microwaved and consumed 1–2 hours before bed to help relax the mind.
After investigating the “Khong Man Tong Kin (A Must-Eat)” page, it was found that the name has been changed to “kongmontongkin KMTK,” and the related content has been removed from the page.
Impact of The False Information
The page in question has hundreds of thousands of followers, with 7.1 million likes. Following the controversial post and the impersonation of a doctor in the comments section, it was observed that as many as 1,900 people liked the comment made by the avatar account, indicating that the post may have caused significant misunderstandings.
A pediatrician stated that no beverage can prevent pregnancy.
Thai PBS Verify reached out to Dr. Lalit Leelatipkul, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Medicine. She expressed concern for those who believed the misinformation, emphasizing that the claims are untrue. She explained that whenever sperm and egg meet in a normal body, no drink or food can prevent pregnancy. Therefore, no beverage has any effect in this regard. Medically, there are no foods or ingredients that can stop pregnancy—only hormonal medication can achieve that.
As for the claim about consuming beverages after taking emergency contraception, the dose of emergency contraception cannot be 100% effective. Its efficacy depends on how soon it is taken after intercourse. Emergency contraception is generally effective if taken within 72 hours, with an efficacy rate of approximately 85%. However, taking it later than that reduces its effectiveness. Moreover, consuming soft drinks or energy drinks, as suggested by the claim, does not enhance the effectiveness of emergency contraception in any way.
For beverages affecting hormonal changes, currently, there are no beverages proven to cause hormonal imbalances, and no research indicates that consuming any type of drink can directly lead to mood swings. Mood changes in the human body are generally influenced by external conditions, such as stress, which can potentially affect hormones. However, as of now, there is no research supporting the idea that any food or beverage can completely eliminate hormones or prevent pregnancy. Even individuals consuming alcoholic beverages can still conceive as long as their hormonal function remains intact.
Proper methods of pregnancy prevention:
Dr. Lalit emphasized that the best way to prevent pregnancy is to avoid sexual activity if pregnancy is not desired. Avoidance, when possible, is considered the most effective preventative measure. However, if sexual activity occurs, protection becomes essential. She recommended two methods of prevention:
- Hormonal methods, also known as “birth control,” are considered the most effective forms of prevention. They come in various forms.
- Oral contraceptives, taken daily.
- Injectable contraceptives, administered every 3 months.
- Implants, effective for up to 3 years.
- Barrier devices to prevent pregnancy
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Condoms
Besides preventing pregnancy, they also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Psychiatrist” emphasizes that “depression” must be treated by a medical professional.
We consulted Prof. Dr. Chawanun Charnsil, President of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand and faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine. He stated that consuming the beverages mentioned in the claims cannot relieve symptoms of depression.
Depression is categorized into two types: clinical depression and general sadness. For clinical depression, there are currently no supplements or beverages that can treat or alleviate the condition.
For temporary feelings of sadness or low mood, which are common human experiences, there is no evidence to suggest that specific foods can effectively alleviate these emotions. Simple actions like taking a walk to relax or spending time with people who bring comfort can often help improve the mood. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that any particular food or drink can directly enhance emotional well-being.
For those diagnosed with clinical depression, medical treatment is essential. Whether or not medication is prescribed depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, medication is required. However, in less severe cases, psychotherapy alone may be sufficient as a treatment option.
Guidelines for managing depression:
If unsure about having depression, observe the following initial signs:
- Observe your mood to see if you can lift yourself out of low emotions. If you continue to feel persistently down or are unable to improve your mood, it is a clear sign that you should consult a doctor.
- If your mood disrupts daily life, such as difficulty concentrating at work or a decline in performance, consulting a doctor is highly recommended.
For those receiving treatment, it’s vital to stay consistent, as depression is a treatable condition.
In terms of lifestyle adjustments to support recovery:
- Building connections with friends or surrounding yourself with supportive people is a key factor in emotional well-being.
- Having someone who offers encouragement plays an essential role.
- Identifying and engaging in activities or situations that bring happiness, without causing harm or distress to yourself or others, can be a significant emotional contribution.
“For people suffering from depression, the key is not solely to alleviate feelings of sadness, but also to actively introduce joy into their lives. This becomes a crucial element in supporting their recovery and improving their overall well-being.”
You can find more information on the Psychiatric Association of Thailand’s website:
