The Thai Customs Department and Tilleke & Gibbins today hosted the opening session of a four-day brand identification training seminar for customs officers being held August 23-26. The training provides an opportunity for leading international brand owners to train Thai customs officials on how to differentiate between genuine and fake products, thus enabling them to be more effective in their suppression of counterfeit products at the Thai borders.

Attorneys from Tilleke & Gibbins and representatives of each brand will lead the training sessions with a total of 11 brands, including AMP NETCONNECT, BOTTEGA VENETA, CANON, EPSON, FRED PERRY, GUCCI, PLAYBOY, PUMA, and SKF.

Mrs. Darani Vachanavuttivong, Co-Managing Partner and Managing Director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property team, praised the efforts being made by Thai customs officers. “Customs officials are working tirelessly to prevent fake goods from entering the market, damaging the Thai economy, and posing a threat to consumers,” said Mrs. Vachanavuttivong. “On behalf of our clients, we are proud to partner with customs in the battle against counterfeit and pirated products. We hope this training, supported by the private sector, will assist Thai customs officials in carrying out their important work.”

Customs Officers from several key bureaus are attending the training, including Investigation and Suppression Bureau, Tax Incentives Bureau, Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Bureau, Suvarnabhumi Cargo Clearance Customs Bureau, and Post Clearance Audit Bureau, as well as customs officers based in warehouses at Bangkok Port and Bangkok Customs Bureau, Lad Krabang, and Laemchabang Seaport.

Mr. Seri Thaijongrak, Director of Investigation and Suppression Bureau, Thai Customs Department, presided over today’s event.