On Friday, Thai authorities destroyed 1.2 million counterfeit items, highlighting the government’s commitment to combatting intellectual property (IP) infringement, according to Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting commerce minister.
Mr. Phumtham oversaw the destruction at the Army Air Defence Command base in Don Muang district of Bangkok, accompanied by senior ministry officials, ambassadors from several countries, and representatives from international organizations.
“We are committed to preventing intellectual property infringement,” he stated.
The destroyed items, valued at over 325 million baht, reflect the government’s efforts to protect intellectual property rights. Mr. Phumtham emphasized that both private and public agencies are collaborating to tackle the issue of goods that violate IP rights.
In line with an agreement with the World Trade Organization, he noted that the government is obligated to destroy infringing products using proper methods to reassure investors, entrepreneurs, and IP holders that these items will not re-enter the market.
The counterfeit products that were destroyed included clothing, watches, bags, electronic devices, auto parts, medicine, cosmetic products, food, and beverages. These items were seized this year by police, the Customs Department, and the Department of Special Investigation.
