Thailand Registers 107 Plant Species for New Variety Protection, with 40 Chili Varieties Already Covered

Key summary

The Royal Thai Parliament's Information Repository (PRT) clarified that 107 plant species are eligible for new variety registration in Thailand, following public interest sparked by a private entity registering four holy basil varieties. The Department of Agriculture currently lists these 107 species, which include rice, corn, durian, mango, chili, holy basil, orchids, and colored calathea. Among them, 40 chili varieties have already received protection certificates (CP2) from nine rights holders comprising private companies, universities, and research agencies. Specific registered chili varieties include 'Kan Hom 60', 'Nuam Modin Daeng', 'Yod Son Khem 80', 'Jindanil 80' by Mahasarakham University; 'Kri Ratsad' by the Agricultural Technology Research Institute of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna; 'Akhani Phiroth', 'Red Sun Isan', 'Red Moon Isan', and 'Yellow Moon' by Khon Kaen University and the National Science and Technology Development Agency. The law protects only registered varieties and includes specific exceptions, meaning registration does not grant ownership of all chili seeds in the country.