Suppression of fake goods within 3 months

BANGKOK, May 28 (TNA) -- Concerned authorities will clamp down counterfeit goods which violated intellectual property rights in six areas within three months, according to senior Commerce Ministry officials. The stern action comes after the US on April 28 put Thailand on the US Priority Watch List (PWL) for an 11th straight year because the US said the kingdom is not doing enough to seriously protect intellectual property rights. Permanent Secretary for Commerce Wiboonlak Ruamrak said at the end of a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha, that the meeting discussed action taken by the US Trade Representative while the prime minister had ordered related government agencies to suppress violations of intellectual property rights in six areas and the result must be seen within three months from now. Ms Wiboonlak said that a national committee providing trade facility in line with the agreement of World Trade Organisation would be set up. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak will be chairman of the committee while Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn is secretary, said Ms Wiboonlak. She said related government agencies will hold a meeting in early June to discuss Thailand’s stance in joining Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) following the withdrawal of the US of the trade agreement in late January. (TNA)