Bangkok: Customs officials have intensified their efforts against the influx of substandard goods, seizing counterfeit products in six major cases with economic damages amounting to over 237 million baht. This move is part of a broader initiative to safeguard consumer safety and protect the national economy.
According to Thai News Agency, the Customs Department, in collaboration with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TIS), conducted a significant operation resulting in the seizure of lighting equipment that did not meet Thai Industrial Standards. The operation, held in conjunction with the Department of Intellectual Property, targeted goods that infringed on trademarks, in line with the government’s policy to crack down on such violations. The announcement was made at a press conference by Mr. Panthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, alongside Mr. Ekniti Ramyayanon, Secretary-General of the TIS, and Mr. Awut Wongswasdi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property.
Mr. Panthong Loykulnan revealed that on February 3, 2026, a raid was conducted on a warehouse in Bangkok’s Wang Thonglang district. The operation uncovered over 220 items of lighting equipment and accessories imported illegally, lacking necessary customs clearance documentation and TISI certification. This violation of the Customs Act and the Thai Industrial Standards Act resulted in estimated economic damages of approximately 13.6 million baht.
The crackdown on products not meeting Thai Industrial Standards has identified 33 cases in the current fiscal year, involving various product categories such as household electrical appliances and children’s toys, leading to economic damages exceeding 57 million baht.
The Customs Department is also focusing on preventing copyright and trademark infringements. In cooperation with the Department of Intellectual Property, several key cases have been highlighted:
1. On January 13, 2026, a raid at Laem Chabang Port uncovered 1,800 assorted bags with designs infringing on trademarks such as ‘FROZEN’ and ‘SPIDERMAN’, resulting in damages of 2.48 million baht.
2. On January 21, 2026, an inspection at Bangkok Port revealed 595 pairs of undeclared shock absorbers bearing counterfeit ‘TOYOTA’ inscriptions, causing damages of 1.87 million baht.
3. On January 30, 2026, another inspection at Bangkok Port found 2,400 pairs of counterfeit car brake pads and 425 solar lights, resulting in damages of 3.5 million baht.
4. On February 2, 2026, a seizure in Si Racha District unveiled 34,400 counterfeit shirts and 3,250 shirts with false origin declarations, resulting in 215 million baht in damages.
5. On February 6, 2026, a search in Aranyaprathet District uncovered 16 pairs of trademark-infringing shoes, causing damages of 362,000 baht.
These cases have led to the seizure of prohibited goods under various Thai laws, with 38 cases in fiscal year 2026 resulting in total economic damages exceeding 885 million baht.
The Director-General emphasized that the Customs Department’s mission extends beyond enforcing regulations to protecting lives and property. The department continues to prevent and suppress goods lacking TIS certification and counterfeit trademarks, aiming to bolster the economy, society, and international confidence.