More than 100,000 counterfeit goods worth an estimated 30 million baht have been seized during a raid at MBK Center, as authorities intensified efforts to combat intellectual property violations.
The operation followed the release of the latest Notorious Markets report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, according to Oramon Sapthaweetham, director-general of the Department of Intellectual Property, speaking on Friday.
The report identified 37 online markets and 32 physical markets across 19 countries. MBK was the only physical market in Thailand listed for high levels of intellectual property infringement.
The designation had previously been associated for years with Pantip Plaza, which has recently been redeveloped as Phenix Food Wholesale Hub.
Officials from the Department of Intellectual Property joined officers from the Department of Special Investigation to inspect 17 shops and suspected storage locations inside MBK on Thursday, Ms Oramon said.
Investigators discovered large quantities of counterfeit goods, including handbags, shoes, clothing and fashion accessories imitating major international brands such as Christian Dior, Nike, Adidas, Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, she said.
Officers from the Department of Special Investigation arrested suspects and confiscated more than 100,000 counterfeit products with an estimated value of 30 million baht. Authorities are now compiling evidence for further legal proceedings.
Management of MBK Center cooperated with investigators and confirmed it would immediately terminate rental contracts with vendors found selling counterfeit goods, she said.
Ms Oramon said the crackdown forms part of a broader effort to monitor major commercial districts in Bangkok and key tourist destinations in order to prevent the illicit sale of intellectual property-infringing goods, which could harm the country’s economic image.
“We are also strengthening cooperation with the Royal Thai Police and the Thai Customs Department while increasing surveillance of online platforms to curb counterfeit trade,” she said.
