Thai Agriculture Ministry Clarifies Basil Plant Variety Protection Covers Only Four New Breeds

Key summary

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kritch Outtamawetin, addressed online rumors that a private entity has registered all basil varieties. He confirmed that protection applies strictly to four new breeds—Kaeo Juri 01, 02, 03, and 04—developed under the Plant Variety Protection Act B.E. 2542. Farmers may continue to plant, sell for consumption, or use other unprotected varieties freely. Commercial propagation of protected seeds or cuttings requires adherence to legal conditions, but accidental mixing with crops in other fields does not transfer ownership rights.