DSI seizes counterfeit goods worth 50 million baht

BANGKOK, June 16 (TNA) – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) confiscated 50-million-baht pirated goods from a warehouse in Bangkok’s suburban Nonthaburi DSI chief Pol Colonel Paisit Wongmuang told a press conference that DSI's Bureau of Intellectual Property Crime raided the warehouse on Kanchanapisek Road. The place is used for storing over 100,000 copycat products, smuggled into the country through the northeastern border without passing customs procedures to evade tax payments. Smuggled mobile phones, batteries, brand name bags and cosmetics were transported in containers to store at the warehouse before delivering to customers in Bangkok and other provinces. The counterfeit goods ring was operated by foreigners, said Pol Col Paisit. The investigation into financial transaction of the Chinese suspect found she earned more than 400 million baht from 2016-2017. The DSI took over the case as it is related to intellectual property infringement, which could have an impact on the country’s economy and the authorities are tracking masterminds behind the smuggling activities. Thailand remains on the priority watch list (PWL) in the “Special 301 report” of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The USTR, responsible for developing and recommending trade policy said that the United States is prepared to review the PWL status if Thailand continues taking positive steps and makes substantial progress in addressing the problems. (TNA)