Thailand Strengthens IP Protection to Boost Trade Confidence
Thailand is upgrading its intellectual property protection system to meet international standards and boost investor confidence, with authorities seizing over 2 million counterfeit items valued at nearly 876 million baht since January.
The Intellectual Property Department opened a forum with private sector representatives from five key trading partner groups to upgrade Thailand's intellectual property protection system. Department Director Ormorn Saoptwathum revealed that the initiative is part of the government and Commerce Ministry's effort under Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammapun to align Thailand's IP protection with international standards and create a transparent, fair trade environment. This benefits not only IP rights holders, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors entering Thailand's market, but also strengthens Thai businesses' competitiveness. The department used this forum to enable stakeholders from major trading partners to voice concerns and exchange insights directly with Thai government agencies.
Foreign private sector representatives discussed and proposed improvements across multiple dimensions of Thailand's IP operations, including accelerating and reducing intellectual property registration timelines, improving rights enforcement efficiency, and communicating new regulations beneficial to business. The department and related government agencies listened to issues and updated foreign private sector participants on implementation progress and measures.
Thailand presented advances in combating IP infringement by intensifying and improving law enforcement measures, particularly targeting counterfeit goods in commercial areas, storage facilities, and border checkpoints. From January to August 2025, authorities handled 672 IP infringement cases, seized 2,039,432 items valued at over 875.9 million baht in damages. Thailand also enhanced online platform enforcement through memoranda of understanding with rights holders and leading e-commerce platforms, implementing Notice and Takedown procedures to remove infringing goods—processing over 1,700 items—and improved website-blocking measures under the Computer Crime Act.
The department also discussed approaches to develop Thailand's IP protection system, including using technology for modern, efficient registration systems, updating laws and regulations, promoting full commercial exploitation, and advancing IP valuation methods for collateral in accessing funding. This creates a trade ecosystem that truly protects and fosters innovation and intellectual property.
Private sector representatives from five trading partner groups praised Thailand's clear progress in IP operations, particularly transparency and continuous stakeholder engagement. The department will consider this feedback with relevant agencies to develop IP protection and enforcement systems further.
