Police officers this week intensified their efforts to reduce software piracy with a series of raids of companies accused of using unlicensed software. Police officers commented that this effort aligns with the “Creative Economy” strategy currently being promoted by the Thai government.
In the first raid of this new enforcement effort, a Chonburi-based manufacturer of airport trolleys, shopping carts, pallets and other metal products was found using unlicensed design software in the operation of their business. The software is valued at 1.2 million baht. The company’s registered assets are more than 50 million baht.
Also in Chonburi, an engineering firm that is part of a global corporation, was allegedly found with unlicensed design software valued at 290,000 baht. This company’s assets are registered at more than 200 million baht.
Members of the Economic and Cyber Crime Division (ECD) are geared up for additional raids of companies for which there is evidence of software piracy. Raids are scheduled almost daily, and should extend through the end of the year.
“Over the last month we have reviewed 1,000 investigations in which various business organizations are accused of software piracy, and now we are conducting raids against many of these companies,” said Police Colonel Sarayuth Pooltanya. “Monday was the beginning of what we see as an intense period of enforcing intellectual property rights.”
Commenting on the cases, Thai police officials say they will continue to track down violators of the Thai Copyright Act B.E. 2537 with diligence—no matter the size of the alleged infraction.
“Any business organization that uses unlicensed software is at risk of being raided for violation of the Thai Copyright Act B.E. 2537,” said Pooltanya. “The only way we can reduce Thailand’s software piracy rate is by diligently following up on complaints and taking enforcement actions against those companies who are violating the Thai Copyright Act B.E. 2537. We are confident that by aiming to reduce software piracy we can make a positive contribution to the progression of Thailand’s Creative Economy strategy.”
The ECD has made a significant impact in reducing Thailand’s software piracy rate of 76 percent. In each of the last two years, Thailand’s software piracy rate has fallen by two percent annually, a significant drop when compared to the reductions achieved in other countries during the same span of time.
Those who report the use of unlicensed software by calling 02-714-1010 or by reporting it on line are eligible to receive an award of up to 250,000 Thai Baht. The identity of the caller is protected. More information is available online at www.stop.in.th.
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