WASHINGTON--10 May--PRNewswire-AsiaNet/InfoQuest USA for Innovation ( http://www.usaforinnovation.org ) today announced an advertising campaign in Thailand aimed at highlighting Thailand's theft of American and European medical technology at the expense of the poor and sick. The advertisement, a full-page ad in The Nation, highlights the actions of Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla, which hurt jobs, investment and access tosafe medicines for the people of Thailand. USA for Innovation continues to express alarm over Thailand's Minister of Health issuing compulsory licenses in violation of Thailand's treaty obligations under World Trade Organization. Earlier this month, the U.S. Trade Representative elevated Thailand to Priority Watch List in its annual "Special 301" report outlining global abusers of American intellectual property rights. Complete Text of the Advertisement "The Wrong Prescription for Thailand Thailand is refusing American and European medical technology at the expense of the poor and sick of Thailand. These actions hurt jobs and investment in Thailand. Thailand is now the only country in Southeast Asia on the U.S. Government's Priority Watch List. Investor confidence in Thailand has plummeted since the announcement to compulsory license American and European drug patents. Groups in the United States have demanded tariffs and sanctions on major exports from Thailand such as shrimp and gems. Even worse, these actions hurt Thai patients. Most of Thailand's AIDS patients will not have access to the world's best medicines. Instead, the Thai government will provide locally manufactured drugs that have not even been approved by the World Health Organization. A 2005 study by Mahidol University found that GPO-vir, a copy HIV treatment made by GPO, had between 39.6% and 58% resistance. This is one of the worst cases of HIV drug resistance in the world. The people of Thailand deserve safer medicines and better public health policy from their leaders. We Urge the Leadership to Protect the People of Thailand." About USA for Innovation USA For Innovation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of intellectual property and continued innovation around the globe. USA For Innovation educates decision makers, the media and general public about threats to innovation. For additional information, please contact us at 866-646-8668 or [email protected] . SOURCE: USA for Innovation CONTACT: USA for Innovation +1-866-646-8668 [email protected] Web site: http://www.usaforinnovation.org --Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--