US upgrades Thailand from PWL

BANGKOK, Dec 16 (TNA) -- The US has announced that it has removed Thailand from its Intellectual Property Protection Priority Watch List (PWL) and upgraded the country to the less controversial Watch List (WL). Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong confirmed today that as of 10pm local time yesterday United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer announced the upgrading of Thailand's current position in the Priority Watch List (PWL) contained in the Special Article 301 of the US Trade Legislation pertaining to Intellectual Property Protection. Thailand will now be moved up to the less controversial Watch List (WL) after having being relegated to the PWL for 10 years (2007 -2017). Mr Sontirat went on to elaborate that the USTR's announcement is a recognition of the extraordinary efforts Thailand has made to improve intellectual property protection. Clearly defined policies sanctioned by the highest echelons of government have resulted in concrete resolutions that have helped to eradicate previously unchecked infringements within the local market place since July 2017. At the same time the Thai government has taken the initiative to set up Intellectual Property Enforcement Centers to enforce intellectual property laws in five major commercial districts namely the MBK Shopping Centre, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the Rong Klua Market in Sa Kaeo province and Patong and Karon Beaches on Phuket. More importantly, the USTR highlighted the sensitivity shown by the Thai government in its ongoing efforts to alleviate the fears and concerns of US businesses with regards to intellectual property protection. (TNA)