CRACKDOWN ON RONG KLUEA

>> SA KAEO: Authorities have renewed efforts to wipe out counterfeit goods at Rong Kluea market in Aranyaprathet district, saying the border market must become completely free of pirated products.

Maj Gen Hathaithep Kirati-angkoon, chief of the 19th Army Circle, said soldiers, police and local administrators have been mobilised for the crackdown.

Raids began yesterday and will continue until the trade in pirated goods is eradicated, he said.

The border trade in counterfeit goods was discussed at a recent meeting of Thai officials and their Cambodian counterparts at Surasinghanat army camp.

The Thai authorities included Maj Gen Hathaithep and Sa Kaeo governor Klanarong Pongcharoen, while the Cambodian officials included Banteay Meanchey provincial deputy governor Um Reatrey and Poipet town chief Ngor Mechroun.

Maj Gen Hathaithep said the Rong Kluea border market was one of the biggest outlets for pirated goods in Thailand.

He said Cambodia was informed of the operation and the need to stamp out the illegal trade which has tarnished Thailand’s reputation. Cambodian vendors have also been warned of the raid.

“A peacekeeping force from the 19th Army Circle, troops from Burapha Task Force, local officials and police will join hands in stamping out the sale of pirated goods at the market. The market must become totally free of illegal counterfeit products,” he said.

Mr Klanarong said the meeting was called to ensure that Thai and Cambodian authorities and vendors understand steps to be taken in the crackdown which is in line with the governments’ policies.

According to the provincial governor, the crackdown is expected to intensify in March.

He said the issue of counterfeit goods at the border market may be raised by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon when he visits Cambodia next month.

In February last year the Department of Special Investigation launched a crackdown on fake goods at the market but it was met with violence and 12 DSI officials were injured.