Bangkok: The Commerce Ministry has overseen the destruction of over 2 million counterfeit products, resulting in damages that exceed 2 billion baht. The Department of Intellectual Property carried out the destruction of these items, which were evidence from intellectual property infringement cases that had reached final judgment.
According to Thai News Agency, the destruction ceremony was attended by key figures including Dr. Piyanut Wuttisorn, Assistant Minister of Commerce, and Ms. Oramon Sapthaveetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property. Representatives from the government, private sector, rights holders, and international partner organizations, alongside Ms. Suntariya Wongsirikul, Deputy Managing Director, Finance Division at MCOT Public Company Limited, were also present. This year saw a 36% increase in destroyed items compared to 2025, with over 2 million items representing a 138% increase in value compared to the previous year's 900 million baht.
The counterfeit goods, which originated from both online and offline channels, included a wide range of products such as clothing, watches, bags, electronic equipment, automotive parts, medicines, cosmetics, and consumer goods. To ensure environmental safety, all confiscated items were destroyed in environmentally friendly factories located in Samut Prakan and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
Dr. Piyanut highlighted the importance of this action in light of the 2026 US Trade Act Section 301 Special report, which still lists Thailand on the Watch List for intellectual property protection. The destruction of the seized goods is a vital step in enforcing intellectual property laws transparently and in accordance with World Trade Organization obligations. It demonstrates Thailand's commitment to preventing the re-entry of these goods into the market, thereby fostering confidence among trading partners, investors, and businesses.
To ensure sustainable prevention and resolution of intellectual property infringement, Dr. Piyanut urged citizens to refrain from buying, selling, or supporting counterfeit goods. The public is encouraged to report any intellectual property infringement activities to the Department of Intellectual Property hotline at 1368.