Counterfeit Fan Factory Busted in Khlong Luang, Husband & Wife Arrested

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Police have dismantled a counterfeit fan operation in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district, arresting a husband and wife suspected of producing and distributing fake electric fans under the popular “Hatari” brand. The imitation goods were being sold online at significantly lower prices than genuine products, ranging from 200 to 300 baht apiece.

The raid was led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, in coordination with senior officers from Division 8. Acting on intelligence and a court-issued search warrant, the authorities searched a warehouse in Khlong Nueng subdistrict on the afternoon of 10 June.

The suspects, identified as Mr Narongdet, aged 45 and Ms Araya, aged 30, were apprehended on-site. Police discovered a large cache of counterfeit components and assembled fans, including 55 fan covers bearing the Hatari logo, 60 fan blades with guards, 116 fan stands, 61 motors, and two fully assembled fans with fake branding. Officers also seized keys to two warehouses believed to be involved in the operation.

The investigation began following a complaint lodged by Hatari Electric Co., Ltd., which reported widespread unauthorised use of its registered trademark on online shopping platforms. The company expressed concern that the fraudulent products could mislead consumers and potentially pose safety hazards.

To verify the claim, investigators made a controlled online purchase of a 16-inch, three-speed pedestal fan. The parcel’s return address led them to the warehouse in Khlong Luang. Surveillance confirmed suspicious activity, with staff seen packing goods in large quantities. A search warrant was then secured from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court.

When police arrived at the site, Mr Narongdet was found exiting the warehouse and was immediately approached by officers. Inside, Ms Araya was located in the office area. Both suspects admitted to managing the warehouse and cooperated fully with police during the search.

During questioning, the couple confessed to selling the counterfeit items via online channels. They admitted to pricing the products well below standard retail value to attract buyers.

The suspects were formally charged with “jointly selling, offering for sale, or possessing for sale goods bearing counterfeit or imitation trademarks registered in the Kingdom.” They were taken into custody, along with the seized items, to face prosecution under intellectual property laws.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-12