(CTN News) – Intellectual property violations in movies, music, and sports are emptying the economy, according to academics.
Copyright infringement has a wide-ranging impact in Thailand, particularly in the film, music, and international sports broadcasting industries, according to an expert on the subject. It is time for all sectors, including the government, commercial sector, and civil society, to band together and take this matter seriously, he stated.
Professor Seri Wongmontha, a marketing and communications expert, stated that the Motion Picture Association (MPA) estimates that movie piracy costs the Thai entertainment industry between 3 billion and 5 billion baht per year.
Every year, copyright infringement cost the music business between 1.5 billion and 2 billion baht. Furthermore, piracy in the sports industry, particularly unauthorised broadcasts of international sporting events, is estimated to cost the industry between 1 billion and 2 billion baht in advertising and viewing rights revenue each year. This constitutes a significant economic loss.
The overall economic impact is significant, with combined losses from copyright infringement in movies, music, and sports estimated to be between 7 billion and 10 billion baht annually. Furthermore, copyright violations result in lost tax revenue that could have been used to fund public infrastructure and services.
Copyright infringement affects the following industries:
The entertainment industry involves illegal copying and online distribution of movies, music, and other media.
The publishing industry is concerned with unauthorized book copying and digital distribution.
Unauthorized copying and use of software and applications.
Fashion and design industry: Unauthorized copying of designs and products.
In addition, copyright infringement has an impact on both mental health and society.
“Accessing pirated content without proper screening may lead to exposure to age-inappropriate material, impacting the psychological and social development of young people,” Seri told reporters.
Pirated content is frequently out of date and does not align with current educational standards, which can lead to incorrect learning. Furthermore, youth may lack an understanding of the importance of intellectual property protection, leading to unauthorised copying or downloading of copyrighted materials.
Piracy also poses online risks, as downloading pirated content from untrustworthy sources can result in computer viruses and personal data breaches, potentially causing financial loss.
Copyright infringement is theft of intellectual property, a substantial source of national income. This crime results in lost tax revenue and investment in the entertainment and sports industries, leading to a shortage of funds for creating and promoting socially useful activities.
Addressing copyright infringement needs collaboration from all stakeholders, including strict law enforcement, public education on copyright, and fostering respect for others’ intellectual property.
“Thailand must implement stringent measures, starting with strong law enforcement. Relevant agencies must diligently and effectively enforce legislation to track and combat copyright infringement. Offenders should be adequately punished to set an example and deter future crimes,” Seri said.
Source: Nation Thailand
