Thailand Launches Campaign Against Counterfeit Goods
Thailand's Commerce Ministry is launching a nationwide crackdown on counterfeit goods across physical and online markets, with government agencies and private retailers partnering to combat intellectual property infringement that threatens
The Commerce Ministry is mobilizing all sectors to strengthen enforcement against intellectual property infringement in physical markets and online platforms, while promoting a new generation awareness campaign on respecting intellectual property rights. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthathummaphan chaired an event promoting intellectual property respect under the concept "Don't Buy, Don't Use, Don't Support Intellectual Property Infringement." Government agencies including the National Police, Customs Department, Special Cases Investigation Department, state bodies, private sector rights holders, Thai embassies abroad, and foreign organizations participated at Siam Paragon and Siam Square's Walking Street to educate the public on the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and strengthen cooperation in preventing and suppressing infringement in physical markets and online platforms.
Minister Supachai stated that intellectual property infringement is a problem hindering economic progress, directly impacting producers, businesses, and consumers while undermining Thailand's trade competitiveness. She emphasized that IP protection is a crucial factor major trading partners, particularly the United States, use when evaluating Thailand's intellectual property protection status, affecting investor confidence and the country's trade and investment climate.
The Commerce Ministry's Intellectual Property Department has strengthened Thailand's intellectual property protection system while promoting an innovation ecosystem benefiting Thai creators and entrepreneurs. The ministry developed cooperation mechanisms with domestic and foreign agencies to elevate intellectual property standards to international levels and drive Thailand toward an innovation and creativity-driven economy.
The Intellectual Property Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on preventing intellectual property infringement on internet platforms with the Central Investigation Bureau's Economic Crime Suppression Division and Shopee Thailand Company Limited. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in information exchange, investigation, and prosecution of violators, while improving prevention and suppression of counterfeit goods sales on online platforms.
The ministry also received a cooperation agreement with Unilever Thai Trading Company, a rights holder, which joined the collaboration network to implement Notice and Takedown measures to suspend counterfeit product sales online. The cooperation network currently has 45 member organizations, including three Commerce Ministry agencies: the Intellectual Property Department, Trade Development Department, and International Trade Promotion Department.
