Thailand is taking strong measures to combat the proliferation of counterfeit products online in order to safeguard property rights and uphold its international reputation.
Thailand is stepping up its efforts to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit goods, which pose a serious threat to the country’s economy, public health and reputation. The government has launched a new campaign to raise awareness among consumers and businesses about the dangers and consequences of buying and selling fake products, as well as to encourage them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The country still faces challenges in enforcing intellectual property rights and protecting innovation from piracy and infringement. The DIP estimates that the value of counterfeit goods seized in Thailand in 2019 was over 2.5 billion baht (about 75 million US dollars), with cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics and clothing being the most common items.
Counterfeit goods not only harm the legitimate businesses that invest in research and development, but also endanger the health and safety of consumers who may unknowingly purchase substandard or contaminated products. Moreover, counterfeit goods undermine Thailand’s image as a reliable trading partner and a destination for quality products and services.
Combatting Counterfeit Products
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is taking action against the sale of counterfeit branded products online, emphasizing the need to protect Thailand‘s international reputation by cracking down on property rights infringement.
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) plays a crucial role in educating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) about the significance of patenting their products. By obtaining patents, SMEs can safeguard their innovations and prevent unauthorized imitation.
Moreover, the DIP is dedicated to strengthening Thailand’s global soft power by actively promoting the production and recognition of geographical indication (GI) products. This initiative not only helps protect the unique identity and quality of Thai products but also contributes to the country’s reputation in the international market.
As a result of these efforts, 960 items violating copyrights have been removed from online platforms, demonstrating the impact of the crackdown on counterfeit products and copyright infringement. The government’s proactive approach and partnerships with leading online platforms indicate a firm commitment to protecting intellectual property rights in Thailand.
Partnerships and Agreements
DIP Director-General Vuttikrai Leewiraphan announced an upcoming memorandum of understanding between 30 copyright owners and three leading online platforms – Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. This agreement is expected to strengthen the fight against piracy by allowing direct reporting of infringements. The DIP is also collaborating with Facebook to develop tools for identifying and removing counterfeit products, aiming to address copyright violations on the platform.
The DIP hopes that these efforts will help reduce the demand and supply of counterfeit goods in Thailand, as well as improve the country’s intellectual property environment and competitiveness. The DIP also urges consumers and businesses to support the anti-counterfeit drive by choosing authentic products, verifying the source and quality of the products they buy, and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Source : National News Bureau of Thailand
