Thailand and other Asian countries are under pressure from the US and Europe to be tougher on fake goods violating intellectual property rights.

Chavalit conceded Thailand was a transit point for pirated goods heading to Europe and the US.

The government is drafting new laws to give the department powers to inspect containers bound for third countries. Australia imposed a similar law, he said.

Random transhipment checks will reduce the volume of pirated goods transiting from Thai ports, he said.

Western governments have identified China as one of a number of countries producing copied brand-name goods.

The department will also impose tough measures on importers declaring goods at artificial purchase prices in order to evade full duties, Chavalit said.

The department will focus on products such as automobile parts and cigarettes.

Importers complain they are treated differently by customs officials responsible for tariff charges and goods clearances.

"I will get rid of double standards and rotate officials to stop this," Chavalit promised. He was recently reappointed director-general.

The National Counter Corruption Commission is investigating a telecom equipment tariff scandal involving Shin Satellite - a subsidiary of Shin Corp.

In addition, the Department of Special Investigation is probing allegations of cigarette importers evading duties.

In another development,

the Customs Department reduced its 2007 tariff-collection target to Bt85 billion, from Bt88 billion previously.

The baht's appreciation and a domestic-consumption slow-down have contributed to the reduction, said Chavalit.

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation