PHUKET: Pirate goods valued at 58 million baht went under the hammer on Phuket today. That's the sledge hammer, not the auction hammer.
In a display of destruction designed to drive home a message, top officials turned out in force to hammer home the message: Phuket and other Andaman provinces are no longer going to tolerate copy goods being sold in violation of international intellectual property rights.
For decades, tourists to Phuket and other destinations in Thailand have picked up copy goods as souvenirs to take home.
The shopping spree for fake goods labelled Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and other quality brands that visitors could never really hope to afford was part of the fun of a holiday.
So was going home with stolen copies of the latest hit music and blockbuster movies.
Not any more.
The road grader that demolished imitation items and the police chief slicing leather goods with a cutter were both making a statement to tourists and thieves.
No more rip-offs.
Visitors to Phuket have always been angry at being ripped off by tuk-tuk and taxi drivers, over-charged by restaurants and done down by resorts asking ridiculous prices for basic services.
Yet many have in return been delighted to rip off quality brands, to steal from their favorite musicians, and to deprive movie-makers and actors of their hard-earned share of takings.
Over the same period, Phuket authorities have turned a blind eye to the copy industry. Some of them have even enjoyed a cut of the take.
Today, bowing to pressure from international organisations, the clear message was that the pirate days are over.
Copy that.
It's a small step against corruption. Whether it will lead to a giant leap for honesty and integrity on Phuket, only time will tell.
In a display of destruction designed to drive home a message, top officials turned out in force to hammer home the message: Phuket and other Andaman provinces are no longer going to tolerate copy goods being sold in violation of international intellectual property rights.
For decades, tourists to Phuket and other destinations in Thailand have picked up copy goods as souvenirs to take home.
The shopping spree for fake goods labelled Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and other quality brands that visitors could never really hope to afford was part of the fun of a holiday.
So was going home with stolen copies of the latest hit music and blockbuster movies.
Not any more.
The road grader that demolished imitation items and the police chief slicing leather goods with a cutter were both making a statement to tourists and thieves.
No more rip-offs.
Visitors to Phuket have always been angry at being ripped off by tuk-tuk and taxi drivers, over-charged by restaurants and done down by resorts asking ridiculous prices for basic services.
Yet many have in return been delighted to rip off quality brands, to steal from their favorite musicians, and to deprive movie-makers and actors of their hard-earned share of takings.
Over the same period, Phuket authorities have turned a blind eye to the copy industry. Some of them have even enjoyed a cut of the take.
Today, bowing to pressure from international organisations, the clear message was that the pirate days are over.
Copy that.
It's a small step against corruption. Whether it will lead to a giant leap for honesty and integrity on Phuket, only time will tell.
if the 'pirate days are over' why can i still buy copy goods from virtually any street with shops on it in Phuket??
Posted by another steve on June 30, 2011 19:27