Government Cracks Down on Counterfeit Goods Over 6 Months, Seizes 1.3 Million Items Worth 2.3 Billion Baht in Economic Damage
Thai authorities seized 1.3 million counterfeit items worth 2.3 billion baht over six months, nearly doubling damage recovery compared to the previous year through coordinated raids on markets, warehouses, and border checkpoints.
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed that Prime Minister Anuthon Chaiyawiroon has assigned him to lead the announcement of intellectual property infringement enforcement results for the first six months (October 2024 - March 2025) of fiscal year 2025. The briefing was held on April 27, 2025, at the Thai Customs Department with participation from Commerce Minister Suphachai Sutthrampon, who chairs the National Intellectual Property Policy Committee, along with representatives from the Finance Ministry, Justice Ministry, National Police Office, private sector partners, and foreign embassies including the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Ekniti stated that the government under Anuthon's leadership is treating intellectual property protection with systematic importance, with the Prime Minister directing all relevant agencies to intensify enforcement measures to build confidence in trade and investment.
Under this directive, all sectors have coordinated enforcement efforts across both physical markets and online channels. During the first six months of fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 - March 2025), authorities arrested and prosecuted 332 intellectual property infringement cases, seizing approximately 1.3 million items worth 2.3 billion baht in economic damages. The government targeted commercial zones, warehouses, and border checkpoints, resulting in a 78% increase in economic damage recovery compared to the entire fiscal year 2024, which totaled 1.3 billion baht. This damage not only impacts Thailand's economy but also undermines the country's long-term trade and investment reputation.
Commerce Minister Suphachai Sutthrampon noted that the Commerce Ministry, as the coordinating agency under the National Intellectual Property Policy Committee, is working intensively with the Finance Ministry, Justice Ministry, and National Police Office to protect intellectual property rights for both Thai and foreign investors. She emphasized that intellectual property is critical for economic development, while counterfeiting poses serious economic security threats, endangers public health and safety through fake products, harms legitimate businesses unable to compete on price, and weakens the nation's trade competitiveness. This integrated enforcement effort reflects all agencies' commitment to combat intellectual property infringement and aligns with the government's Trade Plus policy.
