DIP insists Thailand committed to tackling IP violations

BANGKOK, 1 May 2015 (NNT) – The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has confirmed that Thailand continuously strives to address violations of intellectual property rights despite being kept on the US priority watch list.

In the wake of the latest announcement by the US to maintain Thailand on its intellectual property priority watch list for the eighth year in a row, DIP Director-General Malee Choklamlert expressed disappointment with the decision as the department has been closely coordinating with US trade representatives to resolve the issue.

The Director-General elaborated that the inspection of IP rights infringements on the internet has been intensified while business operators have been instructed to steer clear of pirated software. The government has also been focusing on amending several laws to increase their effectiveness in protecting IP rights. However, the fact that the amendment process is not yet completed has affected the US’s perception of Thailand.

Ms Malee conceded that Thailand’s continued presence on the priority watch list could tarnish the national image eventually. Therefore, the DIP will discuss with the Ministry of Commerce about possible measures that will lead to Thailand’s removal from the list next year. The Director-General deemed such a goal achievable as she was adamant that much progress has been made in the clampdown on IP rights violators.

-- NNT 2015-05-02

Just talk, for sale everywhere!

Again, hard to crack down on this when the police profit off allowing this illegal activity.

When all the illegal DVDs stores in Pantip are closed down then I will believe they are making a serious effort to tackle the problem.

The government has also been focusing on amending several laws to increase their effectiveness in protecting IP rights. However, the fact that the amendment process is not yet completed has affected the US’s perception of Thailand.

Or it could be the US has the perception that laws and amendments to laws are just words on paper with no enforcement.

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has confirmed that Thailand continuously strives to address violations of intellectual property rights despite being kept on the US priority watch list.

Yes it must be disappointing to keep having to tell the US that serious attempts are being made but unfortunately the US and the rest of the world are fully aware of how Thailand operates ... All BS and no real action because greed and corruption prevents any violations being dealt with in the proper manner.

Spoke to a friend of mine this morning who lives in Phuket. According to him you can walk into almost any shop in Patong and pick up goods that violate IP and yet the police and officials are all in on it ... taking backhanders to turn a blind eye to the theft.

Instead of expressing disappointment why not take measurable action ... the best way to get something done is to do it ... however Thailand's attitude is the best way to get something done is to cry about it and hope the kick-backs work up the line in the appropriate percentages.

You can't BUY legal software in Thailand. I've tried! The best you can do (in the case of Micro$oft which is the bulk of stolen software) is load the illegal stuff then contact a reseller for a legitimate product key. I've done that here, Win 7 costs all of about $25 U.S. for pity's sake.

They have said the same thing for the past 7 years, with zero results and no changes.

When you can buy any copy CD, watch, bag, T-shirt, erectile disfunction medication, pens, sunglasses or pretty much anything else, within spitting distance of a police box, you know that there is zero hope for Thailand.

As long as they aren't disrespecting Thai IP, the Thai Government could care less.

so anyone downloading the super hyped boxing match that cost 70$ ++ for maybe a few seconds, will be fined ?

You can't BUY legal software in Thailand. I've tried! The best you can do (in the case of Micro$oft which is the bulk of stolen software) is load the illegal stuff then contact a reseller for a legitimate product key. I've done that here, Win 7 costs all of about $25 U.S. for pity's sake.

That's not true. I bought Windows 7 and Microsoft Office from Wattana Computer (retail version). Genuine Software. Even Games are available. Otherwise, all the kids couldn't play it online.

No need for new laws, that's just "NATO" (no action, talk only). Enforce the existing laws, but that means to first get rid of this corrupt police force.

I was in charge of stopping the sales of counterfeit goods in shops in Bangkok and instructed the police to raid the warehouse. Surprise, surprise! When the police arrived, the warehouse was empty.

It's the corruption at this level which allows piracy to continue to be a very profitable business in Thailand.

I remember the last military government in 2006, the minister announced he will visit Panthip to look for piracy software and, total surprise, did not see any pirated software on sale there.

I remember those "raids" All the copy DVDs were hidden, but they still had books you could look through. You told them what you wanted and 30 minutes later, bingo. It was there.

Thais think foreigner organizations don't know what's going on. They 100% do. Or maybe they just don't care? I don't know.

I think social media has a lot of influence here. Videos posted online showing all the illegal stuff for sale. That wasn't there 15 years ago. But it sure is now. Documented proof.

I insist that I am committed to being disappointed in other countries' lack of faith in all my talk.

Such is the song of the Thai bureaucrat.

The government has also been focusing on amending several laws to increase their effectiveness in protecting IP rights. However, the fact that the amendment process is not yet completed has affected the US’s perception of Thailand.

Or it could be the US has the perception that laws and amendments to laws are just words on paper with no enforcement.

I think Thailand's "focused look" is really an "asleep with their eyes open look." Hard to tell the difference between the two looks.

Too darned busy making sure people don't download porn or non PC stuff on global warming. If they diverted those staff onto IP matters maybe the international concerns on software piracy might improve.

I remember those "raids" All the copy DVDs were hidden, but they still had books you could look through. You told them what you wanted and 30 minutes later, bingo. It was there.

Thais think foreigner organizations don't know what's going on. They 100% do. Or maybe they just don't care? I don't know.

I think social media has a lot of influence here. Videos posted online showing all the illegal stuff for sale. That wasn't there 15 years ago. But it sure is now. Documented proof.

You will note that Thai made movies are very rarely available in Pirate form. They are down on them like a ton of bricks if they copy them to sell on Sukhumvit Road or all the usual IT malls where the overseas movies & software copies are stacked 8" deep, side by side.

... will discuss next year. Says it all.

I'm waiting for the announcement from the good director that the U.S. Will take Thailand off the list next year.

This guys ia a joke. He along with all members in his department should resign.