Commerce minister optimistic Thai exports will not be affected by USTR’s decision

BANGKOK: The United States Trade Office’s decision to retain Thailand in the priority watch list (PWL) for the 9th consecutive year this year are unlikely to impact on Thai exports to the US and its access to generalized system of preference (GSP), said Commerce Minister Apiradee Tantraporn on Friday.

She admitted that Thailand had been fully aware all along that it would not escape the PWL because of the rampant violations of IP rights as witnessed by the widespread presence of counterfeit products especially at the 13 red zones.

However, the minister assured that the Thai government was not ignorant with the problem and has been trying to resolve it, citing the latest meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan which resolved to target not just brandname counterfeit products but also counterfeit Thai products and films.

She disclosed that IP violations have now spread to food products and medicines.

A Commerce Ministry source said that the USTR had suggested that Thailand should attach more importance on suppression of counterfeit products and IP violations which have taken new forms such as sale of fake products on the internet and theft of cable and satellite signals.

The USTR has also expressed concern on the imposition of quota system for foreign films and suggested that there should be a law that seeks to penalize landlords who allow counterfeit products to be put on sale on their property.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/161639

-- Thai PBS 2016-04-30

"The United States Trade Office’s decision to retain Thailand in the priority watch list (PWL) for the 9th consecutive year this year are unlikely to impact on Thai exports to the US"

Off course not!

Nothing going on outside Thailand's borders have any affect on Thailand.

"Thailand best in the world, trust me i am Thai, and i am happy happy happy"

happily ignorant (optimistic) more like it.......

She disclosed that IP violations have now spread to food products and medicines.

Have now? How about 20 years ago or more. Luckily, the world knows all Thailand does is talk. No action. Hopefully, they'll be forced to actually do something about these violations as opposed to just spewing hot air.

Has she been trained by the Minister of Tourism ?

She is an optimist , Thais actually believe what the government says , Thailand is truly amazing.

The commerce minister is right, if it has made no difference for the last 8 years why should it now?

"The United States Trade Office’s decision to retain Thailand in the priority watch list (PWL) for the 9th consecutive year this year are unlikely to impact on Thai exports..."

Makes about as much sense as saying: "The amputation of my legs will have no affect on my walking".

It may come as no surprise but striving for a 1 would be more beneficial to Thailand's image overseas , which is now on a downward spiral, than languishing at a 9 for the past 8 years . the Un - Elected Minister is 2 complacent...................................................... ..

The United States Trade Office’s decision to retain Thailand in the priority watch list (PWL) for the 9th consecutive year this year

Hopefully she's thinking ahead to next year's 10th anniversary, and an appropriate gift.

Perhaps a tin replica of a Channel handbag would do?

Remaining optimistic, and seeing little downside, there really is no impetus to reign in the practice.

Commerce minister optimistic Thai exports will not be affected by USTRs decision"

No exports will continue fall as usual.

Thailand should attach more importance on suppression of counterfeit products

I would think that suppression is something the junta can excel at.

Especially with its 23 months in absolute control of the current government.

"The United States Trade Offices decision to retain Thailand in the priority watch list (PWL) for the 9th consecutive year this year are unlikely to impact on Thai exports..."

Makes about as much sense as saying: "The amputation of my legs will have no affect on my walking".

Actually it makes perfect sense. If your legs were amputated 9 years ago you wouldn't notice much difference this year from last year.

It's just trying to put a positive spin on things by not focusing on how bad things are but saying they're no worse.