IP Enforcement in Thailand: Strengthened Multi-Agency Operations and Significant Results in 2025–2026
Thailand has significantly advanced its intellectual property (“IP”) enforcement framework through coordinated efforts led by the Department of Intellectual Property (“DIP”), in close collaboration with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (“ECD”) of the Royal Thai Police, the Customs Department, the Department of Special Investigation (“DSI”), and private-sector IP rights holders. These joint initiatives target counterfeit and infringing goods across physical retail locations, storage facilities, border checkpoints, and online marketplaces, with the dual objectives of disrupting illicit supply chains and protecting both consumer safety and legitimate commercial interests.
Enforcement Outcomes in 2025:
Between January and November 2025, integrated operations produced the following results:
- 1,132 cases of IP infringement
- 3,344,841 infringing items seized
- Estimated economic damages exceeding THB 1.14 billion
Compared with the equivalent period in 2024, the number of cases decreased by 16.15%, while the volume of seized items rose by 21.35% and the value of damages increased by 63.89%. This shift indicates greater focus on high-impact interventions and upstream disruption. Contributions by agency were as follows:
- ECD: 789 cases, 1,820,574 items seized
- Customs Department: 336 cases, 571,675 items seized
- DSI: 7 cases, 952,592 items seized
The DIP structured its enforcement activities through three dedicated task forces:
- Mobile Patrol Units conducting frequent inspections (at least three days per week) in key Bangkok commercial districts, including MBK Center, Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam, Sampheng, Silom, Phrom Phong, and Sukhumvit.
- Regional Task Forces performing bi-weekly operations in provincial high-risk zones, particularly tourist destinations, wholesale markets, and distribution warehouses.
- Inspection and Evaluation Units carrying out monthly reviews in designated “red-zone” tourist provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Surat Thani (Koh Samui), Songkhla, Krabi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Key Enforcement Actions in Early 2026:
Enforcement momentum continued into 2026 with intensified targeted operations.
- DIP and ECD Operations (15–31 January 2026): Thirty-two joint actions across Bangkok shopping malls, retail outlets, and northern and eastern provincial markets resulted in the seizure of 11,802 infringing items (estimated damages over THB 14.9 million) and the arrest of 25 individuals. Seized products included counterfeit footwear, apparel, bags, perfumes, and accessories bearing trademarks of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Adidas, Nike, and others. A notable warehouse raid in Samut Sakhon Province on 30 January 2026 recovered 223,404 items valued at more than THB 63.2 million in damages, consisting primarily of substandard consumer goods (shampoo, body lotion, facial cream, toothpaste, and motorcycle spark plugs) that present potential health and safety risks.
- Border Enforcement with the Customs Department (13 January–6 February 2026): Inspections at Laem Chabang Port, Bangkok Port, Si Racha Free Zone, and Aranyaprathet Customs House led to the interception of 42,451 infringing items (estimated damages THB 223.21 million). Goods included counterfeit luxury bags, shoes, watches, perfumes, automotive components, and solar lamps. For fiscal year 2026 up to 6 February, Customs reported 38 cases with total damages exceeding THB 885 million.
- Online Platform Measures: Pursuant to Memoranda of Understanding with major e-commerce platforms (Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, NocNoc, and Nex Gen Commerce), authorities secured the removal of 2,867 infringing product listings. Efforts are underway to extend similar arrangements to additional providers.
Strategic Direction:
The Intellectual Property Development Plan B.E. 2569–2570 (2026–2027) coordinates more than 30 government agencies to implement sustained, proactive suppression measures. Core elements include targeting upstream manufacturers and distributors, leveraging ancillary legislation (anti-money laundering, taxation, immigration), expanding online enforcement partnerships, holding property owners accountable for tenant infringements, addressing software piracy, and deploying technology to monitor digital infringement channels.
Key Takeaways:
Ongoing multi-stakeholder cooperation, including public reporting through hotline 1368 or www.ipthailand.go.th, will be essential to sustaining progress, enhancing investor confidence, and supporting long-term economic development.
Thailand’s IP enforcement has become markedly more effective, evidenced by higher seizure volumes and damage valuations despite fewer reported cases, reflecting a strategic emphasis on quality over quantity of interventions.
Operations now systematically address the entire supply chain—from importation and warehousing to retail and online distribution—thereby reducing the availability of counterfeit products.
Consumer protection remains central, with authorities repeatedly highlighting the health and safety hazards posed by unregulated, substandard goods.
Rights holders and businesses operating in Thailand are advised to maintain rigorous supply-chain oversight, secure appropriate authorizations, and proactively protect their intellectual property to minimize exposure to enforcement action.
Author: Panisa Suwanmatajarn, Managing Partner.
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