PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working with the Excise Department, has dismantled a counterfeit imported liquor network following coordinated raids at eight locations across Chonburi, Bangkok and Samut Prakan. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of more than 6,700 bottles of counterfeit foreign-brand liquor, along with over 478,000 counterfeit labels, seals, packaging materials and production equipment, including bottle-capping machines used to manufacture fake products.
The investigation began after officers uncovered evidence that several liquor retailers in Chonburi were selling counterfeit imported spirits. Further inquiries revealed an organized network operating production sites, storage facilities and distribution points designed to avoid detection before supplying fake liquor to retail outlets at prices well below market value. Search warrants issued by the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court enabled officers from the CIB’s Economic Crime Suppression Division, together with Excise Department officials and representatives of affected international liquor trademark owners, to simultaneously raid eight locations, including five liquor shops in Chonburi, two residences in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian and Bang Bon districts, and a warehouse in Phra Samut Chedi, Samut Prakan.
The three suspects face charges under Thailand’s Trademark Act for possessing and distributing goods bearing counterfeit registered trademarks and using packaging intended to mislead consumers into believing the products were genuine. During questioning, the suspects admitted ownership of the seized goods but claimed they were unaware the liquor was counterfeit.
Authorities said the investigation is continuing to identify manufacturers, suppliers, transporters and other members of the network. The CIB also warned consumers to buy alcohol only from licensed and reputable retailers, noting that counterfeit liquor may contain dangerous methanol contamination that can cause severe poisoning, blindness or death.
