Independent Expert Vas Tingamit Analyzes Legal and Supply Chain Issues Surrounding 'Kaphra Kaewjuri' Plant Variety Protection

Key summary

On October 24, 2026, independent expert Vas Tingamit posted an analysis on Facebook regarding the registration of four new 'Kaewjuri' basil varieties by CP Ram under Thailand's Plant Variety Protection Act. The report clarifies that while the company uses a contract farming model to supply ingredients for its ready-to-eat food products, the law protects only the propagation material (seeds and seedlings) of the specific registered varieties, not the leaves used for cooking. Tingamit notes that the new varieties are non-GMOs developed through tissue culture and chromosome doubling at Kasetsart University. He highlights risks associated with contract farming, such as monopsony power and monoculture dependency, citing examples from Japan, the US, and the EU where mechanisms like cooperatives and unfair trading practice directives help balance power between farmers and corporations.