Research by the Coalition Against Piracy of the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has found that as many as 45 per cent of Thai consumers use a television box that can be used to stream pirated content.
The Rapid TV News website reported that these illicit streaming devices often come pre-loaded with pirate applications such as Mango TV, HD Playbox and U Play.
The report added that some 69 per cent of the 45 per cent who purchased a TV box or dongle for streaming subsequently cancelled all or some of their subscriptions to legal pay-television channels.
The research, which was conducted by YouGov, also found that 47 per cent of respondents purchased their illicit streaming device from two of Southeast Asia’s largest ecommerce stores.
Neil Gane, general manager of the AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), said: “The damage that piracy does to the creative industries is without dispute. However, the damage done to consumers themselves, because of the nexus between content piracy and malware, is only beginning to be recognised.
“Piracy websites and applications typically have a ‘click-happy’ user base, and, as such, are being used more and more as clickbait to distribute malware. Unfortunately, the appetite for ‘free’ or cheap subscription pirated content blinkers users from the very real risks of malware infection.”