Bangkok: Public and private sectors have united to tackle the issue of counterfeit intellectual property products by destroying 1.5 million items valued at 900 million baht. This initiative is aimed at bolstering the confidence of trading partners and investors, as well as safeguarding consumers.
According to Thai News Agency, the destruction ceremony was presided over by Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Minister of Commerce, at the Royal Thai Army Air Defense Command in Don Mueang District, Bangkok. The event saw participation from partners in the public and private sectors, rights owners, and international agencies. The destroyed items were seized in cases of intellectual property infringement, with damages exceeding 900 million baht. This concerted effort is designed to rebuild trust among trading partners and investors while strengthening collaborations with partner networks to prevent and suppress intellectual property violations, ultimately protecting consumers from the effects of counterfeit products.
Mr. Jatuporn emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights, highlighting the integration of efforts from relevant agencies in both the public and private sectors to combat infringement, whether it occurs online or offline. He noted that the destruction of confiscated goods is a vital mechanism in addressing intellectual property infringement, conducted transparently under World Trade Organization obligations and adhering to environmental standards aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Ensuring that counterfeit goods are destroyed appropriately instills confidence among trading nations, investors, and intellectual property owners that these goods will not re-enter the market.
The initiative also aims to raise public awareness about the effects of intellectual property infringement, particularly the health risks posed by substandard counterfeit products. Acknowledging Thailand’s position on the Watch List in the 2025 Report on the Status of Intellectual Property Protection under the US Trade Act’s Special Section 301, the government is resolved to continue its stringent measures against counterfeit products to remove the country from the list.
The public plays a crucial role in preventing and addressing intellectual property infringement by refraining from supporting such violations. The message is clear: “Don’t buy, don’t sell, don’t use counterfeit products.” Any actions suspected of intellectual property infringement can be reported to the Intellectual Property Infringement Suppression Division, Department of Intellectual Property, at 0 2547 4702 or via the hotline at 1368.