Alongkorn asks for DSI help against 'Patpong mafia'

"I want the DSI to investigate this criminal network behind counterfeit products. They need to be uprooted or else the crackdown on pirate goods would have difficulty succeeding," he said, adding this Patpong influential group was extensive and bribed officials not to make arrests and to tip them off before crackdowns by other agencies. Out of the 171 shops in Patpong area, 153 sold counterfeit products,he said.

Alongkorn urged the DSI to probe counterfeit trade "red zones" around Bangkok such as Ban Mor, Khlong Thom, Pantip Plaza, MBK and Pratunam for the masterminds to face legal action.

He has also asked the Royal Thai Police to instruct all precincts to reinforce the policy to crack down on pirate goods, severely punish wrongdoers and extend the investigation to the source of the products.

Regarding the May 6 clash between Patpong vendors and Commerce Ministry officials, Alongkorn said  officials were to review their operating guidelines and a committee was assigned to investigate the clash to ensure justice to all sides.

Affirming the officials had followed the law (identifying themselves, gathering the goods and taking the suspects to Bang Rak police station), he said the May 6 incident deteriorated after thugs turned off the lights and fired guns skyward. He said police already knew who they were and were looking for them.

Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Pongsan Jiamon, who headed the probe into alleged bribing by vendors of Bang Rak police, said the vendors would be summonsed over the bribing .

Commerce Ministry officials would also be summonsed about results of the crackdowns to be used in the case report. It should be complete and proposed to the city police chief within 30 days.