Patong police raid knock-off shops

PHUKET: Seven shop owners were arrested in Patong yesterday morning and have been charged with selling pirated goods estimated at 2 million baht in value, police confirmed today.

A joint team, led by the Economic Crime Suppression Division 4 (ECD) superintendent Kittisap Thongseewong, raided businesses along Patong’s beach road and OTOP market.

“We seized a total 2,072 pirated goods, including handbags, clothes, shoes and other items,” Col Kittisap said. “This time we also managed to catch the shop owners as well. Normally, they run way before we arrive.”

Pirated, or knock-off goods, are usually imitations of luxury and widely-known brands.

“We scouted the area, as we had received complaints from both locals and tourists that there were many stalls and shops selling pirated goods there.”

The seven people arrested will be charged with selling trademark counterfeit products, which carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, or a fine of up to 400,000 baht, or both.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong