Nokia (Thailand) is facing a problem with counterfeits of the mobile-phone giant's popular N-series models.

Head of product marketing Siri Neelawattanasuk yesterday said fake units of the premium multimedia phones had recently been found in the Thai market, with prices ranging from Bt5,000 to Bt9,000.

There are about 10 counterfeit N-series models in Thailand. Among them is a fake N95 handset being offered for Bt8,000, compared with about Bt28,000 for a genuine unit.

Other supposed models, such as the N97 and N99, which Nokia does not even have in its portfolio, have also been counterfeited and are available in Thailand.

It is not hard to see why the N-series has fallen victim to counterfeiters, given the brand's popularity, both worldwide and in Thailand.

Nokia said it sold 25 million N-series mobile phones globally in the first quarter.

Nokia (Thailand) managing director Bob McDougall said the scale of counterfeiting was limited and that Nokia's global team was handling the problem.

The issue has not affected Nokia's business, as evidenced by the 20-per-cent growth in first-half sales of Nokia handsets in Thailand year on year, he added.

The market leader has also launched activities to educate consumers on how to identify the fake phones.

Sirivish Toomgum

The Nation