The conference was called after a spate of raids on bars and restaurants, particularly in Patong, by “officials” claiming to represent copyright holders, and extorting money from owners. Sums between B20,000 and B50,000 have been extorted, The Phuket News was told.
In return owners have received “certificates” that turn out to be worthless.
The Phuket News understands that in some cases, the “officials” were backed in their raids by police officers, though whether the police were recruited as unwitting accomplices is not known.
A restaurant owner who has the correct licenses told the newspaper that the normal fee to cover just about all Western music varies depending on the size of the venue. In her case it was just B3,500.
Speakers at the seminar will include Pisat Chiyasak of Music Completes Your Business (MPC), which manages copyright licenses in Thailand for most of the major international recording companies; Pol Col Chainarong Charoenchai-now of the Economic Crime and Trade Suppression Division; and Mala Tangprasert of the prevention and suppression division of the Intellectual Property Infringement Committee (Private Sector).
The seminar is open to all. To book a seat email: piyachai_2004@hotmail.com or call 0-2547-4633 by Sunday (July 29).