Patong vendors nabbed in counterfeit goods raid

PATONG: Kathu Police on Wednesday afternoon arrested several vendors caught selling counterfeit goods, seizing 300 items of clothing and handbags illegally bearing designer labels including Chanel, Burberry and Prada.

Kathu Police Crime Suppression Inspector Lt Col Worawat Sitthinoon led the sweep along the beach road and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, accompanied by Pol Maj Serm Kwannimit and four officers from the Kathu Police Narcotics Suppression Division.

Pointing out the knock-off goods to the police was Phubate Mingkhwan, a representative of Selective Trademark Union (Thailand) Co Ltd, a detective firm hired by a number of international companies to ensure that their trademark rights are not violated.

After the arrests, Maj Serm identified the following suspects: Saensak Saenrak, age 29; Surachai Mingkhwan, 24; Chai Katawaan, 20; Phonphet Wongwanju; 52; Sudreuthai Chaiburireuang, 23; Dara Panerane, 29; Amporn Sriphaphan, 34; Jeeraphan Jubpieng, 29; Khamee Isayaam, 25; Pongsathorn Pattaraponjanach, 37; Manop Sukgaron, 35; Sri Khomkha, 36; and Areeya Khamaan, 43.

All have been charged with violating Section 273 of the criminal code and could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 6,000 baht, or both.

The confiscated items will be sent to the offices of the copyright owners’ representatives in Bangkok, then destroyed, Maj Serm said.