MUKDAHAN, Thailand – Authorities seized approximately 10,730 lighters suspected of carrying counterfeit TAIYO trademarks during a court-authorized search of a warehouse in Mukdahan on October 10, following an investigation into suspected online sales through TikTok.
The operation took place at a warehouse in Ban Bung Uthai, Na Si Nuan subdistrict, Mueang Mukdahan district, at around 10am. District security officials, Provincial Police Region 4 investigators, Mukdahan City Police, immigration officers and other local security personnel took part in the search.
The investigation began after police detected online listings for lighters suspected of using the TAIYO trademark without authorization. The mark belongs to Thai Merry Co., Ltd. Investigators gathered evidence and traced the suspected stock to a warehouse believed to be used to store products before they were dispatched to customers.
During the search, officials seized approximately 10,730 lighters, along with two SD cards and three packs of parcel boxes containing a total of 600 boxes for shipping goods. The lighters were found in several forms, including about 8,300 pieces packed in 166 cartons, approximately 180 pieces in 99 protective packages, and around 2,250 pieces arranged in 45 trays.
The trademark owner had also travelled to Mukdahan to follow the case personally. Information indicated that more than 200 cartons of similar products had been seized previously, although investigators still need to establish the details of that operation and whether it was connected to the warehouse searched on October 10. Sources also suggested that the suspected activity may have continued for two to three years, but this information has yet to be verified through the investigation.
Authorities seized the items for examination under Thailand’s Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991), as amended, and transferred the evidence to Mueang Mukdahan Police for further legal proceedings. Investigators are continuing to identify those involved and establish the links between the warehouse and the suspected online sales. The case remains under investigation, and those involved are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a final court judgment.
