Thailand and Malaysia Piracy Ring Targeted in Joint DIP-Interpol Operation

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) of Thailand has successfully collaborated with domestic and international agencies to dismantle a cross-border pirated movie network operating between Thailand and Malaysia. This coordinated enforcement effort aims to strengthen copyright protection and safeguard the creative economy.

The investigation focused on the MyIPTV4K network, which allegedly distributed large volumes of copyrighted films illegally across national borders. Such activities have inflicted significant damage on copyright owners and the creative industries, while undermining the digital economy in multiple countries.

The operation was conducted in Chiang Mai province in partnership with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA), and authorised representatives of copyright owners.

Auramon Supthaweethum, Director-General of the DIP, explained that the enforcement action was carried out under Interpol’s Stop Online Piracy (I-SOP) initiative. The operation involved close cooperation among Thai law enforcement authorities, international enforcement agencies, and copyright owners.

Additional collaboration included the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA).

Following extensive analysis of digital evidence and financial transaction records, authorities secured sufficient grounds to obtain search warrants from the Chiang Mai Provincial Court.

The coordinated raids led to the dismantling of a cross-border copyright infringement network that provided unauthorised access to copyrighted films through subscription-based online streaming services. The network operated across several jurisdictions, causing substantial losses to copyright owners and the creative industries.

Searches were conducted at two locations in Chiang Mai province: a company in Suthep subdistrict and a residence in Mae Hia subdistrict.

Authorities arrested an alleged offender accused of administering the subscription-based streaming system on behalf of the main service operator based in Malaysia.

Evidence seized during the operation included 19 accounting documents, four records of payments made to cloud computing service providers, 22 documents related to email communications, a laptop, and a desktop computer.

The suspect faces charges of jointly committing copyright infringement for commercial purposes through the unauthorised reproduction, adaptation, and communication to the public of cinematographic works.

The DIP described the operation as part of Thailand’s intensified efforts to strengthen border surveillance and enforcement measures to protect the film industry, copyright owners, and the country’s creative economy.

Auramon Supthaweethum reaffirmed that the unauthorised dissemination of copyrighted films or other protected content—whether through uploading, streaming, sharing, retransmitting, or other forms of online exploitation—constitutes copyright infringement punishable under Thai law.

The DIP pledged to continue firm and sustained action against all forms of copyright piracy and infringement networks.

In anticipation of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the department will also intensify surveillance, inspections, and law enforcement against unauthorised live streaming of matches, distribution of illegal viewing links, and unauthorised use of match footage or clips for commercial gain.

These measures aim to ensure full protection of copyright owners’ rights and promote a fair and sustainable digital environment for all stakeholders.