Bangkok: Thailand's government on Monday announced the seizure of over 1.3 million counterfeit items during a six-month nationwide crackdown on intellectual property infringement, a move aimed at boosting international trade and investor confidence.
In the first half of the 2026 fiscal year through March, Thai authorities handled 332 intellectual property infringement cases, according to the Ministry of Finance. Authorities seized over 1.3 million items, with estimated economic damages exceeding 2.3 billion baht (about 71.19 million U.S. dollars).
Speaking at a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas emphasized that these results reflect the country's coordinated, result-driven approach in safeguarding fair trade, protecting consumers, and reinforcing its economic integrity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said counterfeit goods directly impact manufacturers and the broader public, citing health and safety risks to consumers and the severe disadvantage it creates for honest businesses unable to compete with illicit pricing.
Suphajee reaffirmed the government's commitment to strict law enforcement and close collaboration with private-sector right holders through initiatives such as proactive consumer awareness campaigns, updated legislation to match the modern economy, and direct cooperation with e-commerce platforms to intercept online infringement.
She noted that the overarching goal is to elevate Thailand's intellectual property protection to international standards, positioning the Southeast Asian nation as a premier trade and investment hub that respects fair trade rules and fosters innovation for both local and foreign creators.
