Thailand IP Filings Surge 7.75%, Copyright Up 33%

Thailand's intellectual property filings surged 7.75% in the first half of 2025, with copyright notifications jumping 33.62%, reflecting stronger IP protection efforts among Thai businesses and creative professionals.

21 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property released first-half 2025 statistics showing intellectual property applications grew across all categories, with 38,626 total requests representing a 7.75% increase from the same period in 2024. Registration approvals climbed over 12% while copyright notifications surged 33.62%, signaling stronger emphasis on IP protection among Thai businesses, researchers, and creative professionals.

On July 21, the department advanced government and Commerce Ministry policy to leverage intellectual property as a tool for strengthening SMEs. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sudthammaphanth tasked the department with accelerating IP protection systems to support value creation from innovation and creativity among Thai entrepreneurs, with expanding IP filing and registration statistics demonstrating success.

Department Director Orman Thapthueatham revealed that January–June 2025 saw 38,626 IP applications (trademarks, invention patents, petty patents, and design patents), up 7.75% year-on-year. Registrations totaled 30,051 across all types, a 12.24% increase. Copyright notices filed rose 33.62% to 9,069 entries.

Trademarks led with 28,507 applications, up 8.01%, with top categories including health and pharmaceutical products (3,405), retail and marketing services (3,299), and cleaning and beauty products (3,094). Thai applicants made up 56% and foreign applicants 44%. Top trademark filers included Fox Formulate (166), Dymatech Thailand (154), and Born Agriscience (149)—all agricultural chemical firms. Trademark registrations reached 22,189, up 5.91%.

Invention patents saw 4,299 applications, up 4.47%, with pharmaceuticals and health products among the leading innovation categories.

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Community

Officials Rush to Help 77-Year-Old Woman Denied Poor Welfare Card

A 77-year-old disabled woman in Surin province who has been repeatedly denied a welfare card despite living in extreme poverty finally got official help after her name mysteriously vanished from the eligibility system. The Muang Ti subdistr

21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, Wimol Suangam, 77, a resident of Muang Ti subdistrict in Muang district, Surin province, has submitted documentation multiple times seeking a state welfare card, or poor person's card, but has never been approved. Her latest application is even more troubling: her name does not appear in the system for eligibility verification, despite her physical disability, living alone, and extreme poverty with no means to eat.

Out of desperation, Wimol hitched a ride with a neighbor to inquire directly at Krung Thai Bank. Each time bank officials checked, they found no record of her in the system. They advised her to register again, but no one could tell her when new registrations would open.

Recently, Srachai Suphimars, chief of the Muang Ti subdistrict administration, along with community development officers and relevant agencies, visited Wimol's home to investigate and seek solutions. The moment Wimol saw the subdistrict chief, she rushed to embrace him and wept with relief, finally having an official body listen to her problem and offer help.

Initial investigation revealed that Wimol had completed a registration form in 2026 to verify eligibility for state welfare benefits for those left out of the census survey who face income and livelihood hardship. The village headman submitted her documents to Muang Surin District Office following proper procedure, but her information never appeared in the system.

Srachai stated that upon learning the elderly woman's name was missing from the system despite having submitted documents, he immediately went to verify the facts. He confirmed he would urgently trace every step to find where the documents were lost, not to blame any agency, but to resolve the problem quickly. He acknowledged that while the welfare card amount is small, it holds tremendous value for someone with nothing. "Though the money is modest, it matters greatly to someone truly in need," he said, his voice catching with emotion.

Wimol's home, built from salvaged materials years ago when she was strong enough to work as a laborer in Bangkok, now reflects her dire circumstances. She lives alone, in poor health, surviving on only 1,500 baht monthly in disability and elderly allowance—her sole possessions.

"The state welfare card may not seem significant to many, but for an impoverished elderly person like you, every baht carries profound meaning. We will do everything we can to ensure you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve," Srachai declared.

The village headman produced registration evidence confirming the documents were properly submitted, but acknowledged not knowing where the error occurred. He is now preparing to help Wimol file an appeal with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).

Wimol, tearfully opening her heart, expressed her bewilderment at why her information disappeared from the system despite following every step the headman instructed. She added that her physical condition makes travel difficult, and she cannot frequently inquire in person. Living alone after losing her child, she has struggled to understand why help remains out of reach.

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National

Thailand Seizes 100 Million Baht in Fake 'Made in Thailand' Goods

Thai Customs seized over 100 million baht in goods falsely labeled "Made in Thailand" at Laem Chabang Port, including Chinese cigarettes and cutter blades illegally declared as Thai products.

21 Jul The Thaiger Crime

Thailand seizes 100 million baht in fake ‘Made in Thailand’ productsLegacyThai Customs and the Department of Foreign Trade yesterday, July 20, announced the seizure of more than 100 million baht worth of goods falsely labelled as “Made in Thailand” at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri. They said the operation targeted imported goods from China that were falsely labelled as being made in Thailand, a practice that undermines the credibility of Thai exports and the international trading system. Inspections focused on businesses operating in Free Zones and IEAT Free Zones to prevent companies from falsely claiming Thai origin for imported products. Photo via Siam Chon News Officials identified two major cases during the operation. The first involved 5.37 million TWOMOON cigarettes imported from China but labelled “Made in Thailand,” with an estimated economic impact of about 17 million baht. The second case involved more than 202,000 sets of semi-finished cutter blades and related production equipment imported from China. Investigators said the shipment was considered finished products ready for sale despite being labelled as “Made in Thailand”, with an estimated economic impact of more than 82.7 million baht. Both cases are suspected of violating the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and related laws, reported Siam Chon News. Photo via Siam Chon News The department said falsely declaring a product’s country of origin not only breaches the law but also distorts international trade and could be used to circumvent trade measures imposed by Thailand’s trading partners. The department said it will strengthen inspections, increase penalties, suspend trade privileges for offenders and continue working with relevant agencies to tackle the practice. Customs also released enforcement figures for Laem Chabang Port covering October 2025 to July 10 this year. During the 10-month period, officials handled 177 major cases involving false origin claims, hazardous waste, counterfeit goods and cannabis smuggling, with estimated economic losses exceeding 1.3778 billion baht. Photo via Siam Chon News Similarly, back in 2025, the public health ministry, along with other relevant departments, conducted a raid on a supermarket in Pathum Thani and uncovered several Chinese products, including milk beverages, eggs, minced meat, and snacks, none of which had FDA approval. The story Thailand seizes 100 million baht in fake ‘Made in Thailand’ products as seen on Thaiger News.

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Breaking

Parameter Apologizes After Glass Shards Injure Customer's Mouth

Glass shards injured a customer's mouth at Parameter gelato shop in July, prompting the company to apologize and overhaul its safety protocols. The customer expressed disappointment with the initial response before the shop covered medical

21 Jul Khaosod

Parameter has apologized after glass shards were discovered in a gelato product, injuring a customer's mouth. A young woman posted about the incident on social media on July 21, 2025, reporting that she found glass fragments in her cup while eating at the trendy gelato shop, which cut her lip and caused bleeding; she also accidentally swallowed some of the glass. The customer clarified she was not attacking the restaurant but expressed disappointment with the company's response and accountability measures.

Parameter released a statement acknowledging the accident and expressing sincere apologies, recognizing the impact on the customer's trust and confidence. The company's management and staff immediately assisted the customer, recommending medical treatment and covering all related medical expenses while monitoring her condition. After becoming aware of the social media posts, staff reached out to hear the customer's feedback and offered additional support if needed.

Parameter has reviewed and upgraded safety measures across all service stages, including glass container handling, pre-service inspections, operational standards review, and staff training to prevent similar incidents. The company stated that this incident is an important lesson that will drive improvements in customer care and safety standards. Parameter pledged to demonstrate its responsibility through continuous improvements and asked customers to trust in their commitment to ensuring confidence with every visit.

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National

Thai Savings Bank Launches 50,000-Baht Microentrepreneur Loan via MyMo

Krung Thai Bank launches a microentrepreneur loan program offering up to 50,000 baht at 0.75% monthly interest with no collateral, available through the MyMo app for small-business owners and self-employed workers.

21 Jul Khaosod

Krung Thai Bank (Outs Savings Bank) Director Songpol Chiwapanyarojanai announced the launch of a new lending program to support small-business operators and self-employed workers facing economic hardship. Rising energy costs and living expenses have hit small entrepreneurs particularly hard, limiting their access to capital for business development. The bank's "Microentrepreneur Career-Building Loan" program offers unsecured loans of up to 50,000 baht per borrower at a flat interest rate not exceeding 0.75 percent monthly, with no collateral requirement and repayment terms of up to five years. The streamlined application process is available immediately through the MyMo app. The program is open to Thai nationals aged 20 to 65, including small-business owners, freelancers, wage earners, traders, and service providers seeking additional income. Those interested can visit www.gsb.or.th or call the GSB Contact Center at 1115 for more details.

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Community

Take Toys Launches Gen Z Character in Songwat

Take Toys unveiled Tuta, a new Gen Z character from planet TT195, launching a free pop-up experience called Taste Toys Pharmacy in Bangkok's creative Songwat district through October 31, 2025.

21 Jul Khaosod

Take Toys Company Limited has introduced its latest original character, Tuta, a girl from planet TT195 living as a Gen Z teenager on Earth, launching the campaign "Tuta Teenage Taste Toys in Songwat" and opening a pop-up space called Taste Toys Pharmacy. Styled as a "heart medicine shop," this new healing space is located in the Songwat district, an art hub and historic area that has become a popular creative economy zone blending lifestyle and design.

Visitors are invited to experience joy and positive energy through the character, design work, and DIY activities that allow them to create their own personalized lifestyle. Admission is free from now through October 31, 2025.

The Taste Toys Pharmacy pop-up reimagines a historic building with the charm of old Chinese pharmacy architecture, while featuring beloved characters including Monchhichi, Care Bears, Teletubbies, and Disney favorites. The standout debut is Tuta, a new Thai character—a pink-haired girl with a mischievous personality—who brings color and joy to the space, offering relief from daily stress and representing the perspectives and lifestyle of the new generation.

The launch is supported by Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, which is promoting the creative economy, backing Thai brands, and encouraging creative ideas that generate new experiences and inspiration for the art toy community. Take Toys has also partnered with Lost in Songwat, Gu Long Pao, and Huan Jai to offer special menus and activities tied to the Tuta concept.

Take Toys is a Thai manufacturer and distributor of quality dolls and character merchandise licensee for global brands including Care Bears, Monchhichi, Disney, Sesame Street, Peanuts, Esther Bunny, and Teletubbies.

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Weather

Thailand braces for heavy rain across north and northeast

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy rain across the north and upper northeast through tomorrow as the southwest monsoon intensifies, with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam driving the weather pattern.

21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast predicting increased rainfall across Thailand, with heavy rain in some areas of the north and upper northeast. The intensifying southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam, is driving the forecast. Residents in the north and upper northeast are advised to be vigilant against hazards from heavy and accumulated rainfall.

The upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves of 1–2 meters, while the lower Andaman Sea expects waves around 1 meter. Areas with thunderstorms may see waves exceeding 2 meters. Fishermen are cautioned to exercise care and avoid sailing in thunderstorm zones.

A low-pressure system strengthening over the Pacific Ocean is expected to intensify into a depression and move across the northern Philippines between July 24–25, 2569.

Detailed forecasts for 6 p.m. today through 6 p.m. tomorrow:

North: Thunderstorms affecting 60% of the area with heavy rain in some zones, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, and Tak provinces. Low 21–26°C, high 28–35°C. Southwest winds 10–20 km/h.

Northeast: Thunderstorms affecting 40% of the area with heavy rain in some zones, mainly Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom. Low 23–25°C, high 32–36°C. Southwest winds 10–20 km/h.

Central: Thunderstorms affecting 40% of the area, mainly Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 25–26°C, high 35–37°C. Southwest winds 10–20 km/h.

East: Thunderstorms affecting 40% of the area, mainly Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 23–27°C, high 33–36°C. Southwest winds 15–35 km/h. Seas 1–2 meters; over 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

South (East Coast): Thunderstorms affecting 30% of the area, mainly Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 22–25°C, high 32–36°C. Southwest winds 15–30 km/h. Seas around 1 meter; over 2 meters in thunderstorm zones.

South (West Coast): Thunderstorms affecting 40% of the area, mainly Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Low 23–25°C, high 32–35°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest winds 15–35 km/h, seas 1–2 meters, over 2 meters in thunderstorms. From Phuket southward: southwest winds 15–30 km/h, seas around 1 meter, over 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thunderstorms affecting 40% of the area, mainly afternoon to evening. Low 26–28°C, high 35–37°C. Southwest winds 10–20 km/h.

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National

Nakhon Ratchasima Opens Aid Center for Welfare Card Appeals

Nakhon Ratchasima opened an aid center to help residents appeal rejected welfare cards, with vehicle ownership being the main reason for denials. The appeal period runs through July 31, with many residents seeking to remove vehicles registe

21 Jul Khaosod

Nakhon Ratchasima has established an assistance center to help residents appeal welfare card denials. On July 21, 2025, the provincial treasury office at Nakhon Ratchasima City Hall opened the support center following a meeting called by Governor Anupong Sukkumnit to coordinate assistance for those appealing welfare card rejections, which affected many applicants who failed certain qualification criteria.

Provincial treasury officials reported modest foot traffic at the center, with only about 10 visitors throughout the day. Most residents chose to file appeals directly at five local banks or through other channels. Staff at the treasury office provided guidance on the appeal process and directed people to relevant agencies. Data showed that the primary reason for appeals was vehicle ownership—residents had registered vehicles in their names for their children, or owned vehicles that had been sold, damaged, or seized but still appeared in the transport office records, making them ineligible.

The provincial treasury reminded residents to carefully review all procedures and confirm their appeals by pressing a confirmation button in the system. The appeal period runs from July 17–31, 2025, with document changes accepted through August 16, 2025.

At Krung Thai Bank's branch at city hall, residents continued submitting appeals. Most had vehicles registered in their names but did not own them—typically registered for children. One woman reported owning two motorcycles, though one was seized in 2564 but still listed in the transport office system, making her ineligible.

NangNiphavarn, 74, explained her situation: "I own one motorcycle and still owe payments on it. I earn only 150–200 baht daily doing casual work. I also suffer from a heart blockage condition, making daily life difficult. I hope to qualify for the welfare card this time to ease my living expenses."

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National

Work and Social Activity Key to Thai Elder Health

Thailand's elderly population has grown to 14 million, with new research showing that continued employment and social engagement significantly improve their health outcomes and reduce chronic disease risk.

21 Jul Khaosod

On July 20, 2025, Ramathidbi Hospital's Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University released findings from the seventh National Health Examination Survey (NHES 7) conducted in 2024–2025, presenting "Unlocking Thai Elderly Health: Data for an Aging Society's Future" at the Abroom Hotel in Bangkok. Assistant Professor Dr. Rerngrudee Pathanavanitchakul, head of the survey project, reported that Thailand's elderly population has tripled over 30 years and now stands at 21 percent, approximately 14 million people. The lifestyles of Thai elders have changed significantly—they have higher education levels, greater access to the internet and technology, and have shifted from extended family living to living with spouses or alone, with 1.4 million elderly living solo (1 million of them women). Elderly employment rates have risen 1.5-fold over two decades, with 52 percent currently working, particularly those aged 60–65, of whom 70 percent remain employed. However, income adequacy has declined sharply, dropping from 69 percent to 39 percent between 2004 and 2025.

In terms of health, dependency in daily living activities nearly doubled between 2009 and 2025, rising from 15.5 percent to 28 percent, affecting approximately 4 million elderly. The Northeastern region shows the highest proportion of dependent elderly at 36 percent. Only 12 percent of all elderly require caregivers—about 1.8 million people—yet 55 percent of those who need care lack a caregiver, roughly 1 million individuals. Currently, over 95 percent of elderly caregivers are family members. Regionally, the Northeast faces the greatest challenges, with higher rates of dependency, falls, inadequate income, unmet caregiver needs, and chronic diseases including anemia, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome compared to other regions.

Dr. Rerngrudee noted that survey data clearly shows elderly who continue working have better health than those who do not, with lower rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cognitive decline. Working elderly also show higher levels of physical activity, lower depression risk, and fewer falls. Beyond employment, social participation also correlates with better elderly health. "Given these changing lifestyles and the positive health effects of work and social engagement," she stated, "society should shift its perspective, move beyond the label 'elderly,' and redefine old age as beginning at 65 rather than 60. Alongside this, policies should support elderly employment, adjust retirement ages, and reform benefits and protections. We must also promote social activity spaces for the elderly and prioritize preventive health policies that view elderly health positively rather than treating seniors as a burden." Assistant Professor Dr. Chalubla Chalemsri, a geriatric medicine specialist at Siriraj Hospital, provided additional information on dementia among Thai elderly, identifying cognitive decline as a critical public health issue in Thailand's aging population.

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Police

Swiss National Arrested Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

PHUKET: A Swiss national has been arrested and charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old autistic boy at Patong Beach earlier this month.

21 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: A Swiss national has been arrested and charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old autistic boy at Patong Beach earlier this month.

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National

How to Check If You Have a Securities Account

The Thailand Securities Depository released guidance on verifying securities accounts through the government welfare card program website or the wiset app, allowing citizens to check if they've ever opened a trading account with any broker.

21 Jul Khaosod

The Thailand Securities Depository (TSD) has released a comprehensive FAQ to help the public understand how to verify their securities accounts as part of the government welfare card program eligibility process. The guidance is intended for those unsure whether they have ever opened a securities trading account.

Those unable to recall whether they have opened a securities account can verify through the government welfare card program website at https://welfare.mof.go.th or via TSD e-Service in the wiset app under "Shareholder Account Information." After downloading the app and verifying their identity, the system will display all securities accounts ever opened with various brokerage firms.

If someone has never opened a trading account or invested but finds their name listed, they can contact the brokerage firm in question to verify details directly. Those wishing to close an account can contact their broker or use their broker's application immediately. For those without share certificates or with account 600, TSD Counter Services at the Stock Exchange of Thailand building can assist during business hours.

Account 600, or Issuer Account, is an account opened by securities-issuing companies with TSD to hold shares for investors. Most companies conducting IPOs maintain such accounts to facilitate investors who do not yet have personal securities accounts.

Those wanting to verify their holdings can check through the wiset app's My Wealth menu or contact their broker directly. TSD also offers services to confirm where citizens have opened trading accounts through TSD e-Service on wiset, and can check shareholdings through the My Wealth menu. Inquiries can also be submitted via the form at www.set.or.th, and TSD will expedite verification and report results through the specified channel.

Note: Government welfare card eligibility follows official criteria. Check your eligibility at https://welfare.mof.go.th. Those wishing to appeal eligibility decisions can contact the government welfare card program directly at https://welfare.mof.go.th.

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