US Calls for Tougher Action on Online Piracy in Thailand
US Calls for Tougher Action on Online Piracy in Thailand
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2026 — The United States has kept Thailand on its intellectual property watch list for a tenth consecutive year, calling for stronger enforcement against piracy and counterfeit goods, particularly online, according to an annual trade report.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said in its Special 301 report that while Thailand has made progress on legal reforms and enforcement actions, gaps remain in tackling widespread violations and ensuring effective deterrence.
Thailand was previously on the priority watch list from 2007 to 2017 and has remained on the standard watch list since then.
The report acknowledged steps toward amending the Patent Act and Copyright Act, aimed at aligning with international agreements, as well as increased enforcement efforts, including seizures, shutdowns of piracy services and actions by police and customs authorities.
However, it said counterfeit and pirated goods remain widely available, especially on online platforms, despite crackdowns on physical markets and distribution centres.
The United States also urged Thai authorities to expand enforcement beyond large-scale operators to include smaller offenders, noting that penalties and legal processes are often insufficient to deter repeat violations.
Between October 2025 and March 2026, Thai authorities handled 332 intellectual property cases and seized more than 1.3 million counterfeit items, with estimated damages exceeding 2.3 billion baht, according to official data.
Thailand has said it is working to address the concerns, with officials pledging continued legal reforms and closer cooperation with the United States to improve enforcement and eventually secure removal from the watch list.
