Thailand's cabinet has approved a comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening the enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights, as the country seeks removal from the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) Watch List.

The initiative, developed in coordination with the USTR, is intended to address longstanding concerns over IP protection and enforcement.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the Thailand Intellectual Property Work Plan will be shared with U.S. officials and relevant domestic agencies to implement necessary reforms.

The plan includes proposed amendments to the Copyright Act to align with the World Intellectual Property Organization Performances and Phonograms Treaty, enhancing protections for producers and creators of audio-visual content.

These changes are scheduled to take effect in 2027.

Thailand has been on the USTR's Watch List since 2017, following a decade on the Priority Watch List.

Despite progress in certain areas, the 2025 Special 301 Report cited ongoing issues, particularly in enforcement, with counterfeit and pirated goods remaining accessible, especially online.

The report also noted that enforcement efforts often target small-scale sellers rather than larger distributors.

The new framework also proposes improvements to patent regulations to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products.

These measures are part of Thailand's broader strategy to enhance IP protection and address concerns raised by the U.S., which have implications for trade relations, including discussions on tariff rates and the potential renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences for Thai exports.

Minister Pichai indicated that formal negotiations with U.S. officials are expected before the current moratorium on proposed tariffs expires on July 9.

A Thai working group has been engaging with U.S. counterparts in preparation for these discussions.