Asiasoft Initiate Operations Against Illegal Servers In Thailand

February 16, 2009 by Chapree

At the end of last January, together with the cooperation of several Thailand digital authorities such as The Economic & Cyber Crime Division and High Tech Crime Center, Asiasoft launched an initiative called ‘Action Against Private Servers’. The operation purpose was to eliminate illegal servers that are using Asiasoft’s products in Thailand illegally, namely - Ragnarok Online, Yulgang and Dekaron.

From the operation, three different locations around Bangkok was raided simultaneously and resulted in the arrest of five suspect and also, eight servers were also seized. These servers have been used by the suspect to run unlicensed servers while taking financial profits from fellow patrons - which directly violated Thailand’s Intellectual Property Laws.

In a joint press conference between involved parties in the operation, Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Commerce, Mr. Alongkorn Ponlaboot warned the public about these law-violating activities:

Violating the Intellectual Property Law has a serious impact on Thailand’s economy. Not only does it affect the gaming industry, it dampens the country’s economic growth as tremendous resources are lost, discouraging foreign countries to invest in Thailand.

This is an urgent issue that needs to be taken care of. It is our duty to help companies to eliminate the illegal business means, thereby showing our sincere support to the business sectors.

Also at the same press conference, Managing Director of Asiasoft Cooperation Public Company Limited - Lertchai Kanpai explained the reason behind the initiative,

It is important for the gaming community to know about the infringement of IP copyrights issues and its high risks of running it. Not only the game play experience will not be as realistic as the official servers, the game support will not be present to make a wonderful experience.

With our ‘Action Against Private Servers’ initiative, we hope the gaming community will engage with us and continue to play in the official servers. We will work closely with the authorities to monitor the situation and game developers to bring richer, more quality content to enhance the total game play experience.

This is the Asiasoft first ever large-scale effort to combat illegal servers. While this piece of news is more about our Northern neighbour, illegal servers are still against the law wherever you may be. So kids, remember to play and support official servers only.

[Via press release]

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