July 2005  

pv  The current state of copyright protection related to cultural industry

Lee Yong Chun, correspondent, Bangkok, Thailand

Just by looking at the recent news that Thailand’s use of illegal software has reached 79% clearly shows that the country’s copyright protection is not effective. We can listen to music online and easily copy a book in the numerous copying stores on the street. Insufficient law on this issue does serve as a reason, but the biggest problem is the Thai people’s little or no understanding on copyright issues and the lack of administrative powers in enforcing the laws.

For example, let’s take a look at Pantip Plaza in Thailand, which sells hardware and software goods just like the Yongsan Land in Korea. The plaza is not only famous for being the biggest store exclusive in computer products but also a place where people can easily buy pirated software at a cheap price.

When you set your foot on this 8-store building, the first people you will encounter are those eager sellers, luring you to buy their pirated software and even thrusting software catalogues under your nose. Of course you are guaranteed a wide range of choice, starting from porn, blockbuster hits and computer programs. These men dominate the 1st and 2nd floor and approach costumers passing by. These very people are even in collusion with the local police so the Thai public has no choice but to endure the inconvenience

That doesn’t mean that Thailand has no regulation on pirated goods. Thailand does occasionally strictly regulate pirated software. According to an article in a newspaper on July 10th, the police arrested 7 criminals and confiscated 10 million pirated CDs worth 35 million baht in Thon Buri.

Regulations on companies mostly take place when competitors file a report.  If caught in the act, those in charge are imprisoned or pay a fine of up to 400 thousand baht. They also have to compensate for copyright infringement.

Such a serious situation in Thailand’s pirated software has led Bill Gates, the CEO of Microsoft, to officially visit the country on June 30th. He announced a plan to nurture Thailand as the center for web service in collaboration with the Thai government. It is widely believed that at the core of his new plan, new marketing strategies are included aimed at improving the lack of understanding in intellectual property in South East Asia, with Thai people as his first target.