Economy
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property Partners with Shopee and TikTok to Boost GI Products
Thailand is leveraging major e-commerce platforms to expand the global reach of Geographical Indication (GI) products, with Pa La-U durians already seeing success in Singapore.
On August 25, 2026, Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) announced a strategic initiative to promote Thai Geographical Indication (GI) products in international markets. According to Khaosod Online, the department has engaged in discussions with executives from Shopee and TikTok in Singapore to integrate these platforms into their export strategy.
The initiative aims to utilize e-commerce and social commerce tools to increase the visibility of unique Thai goods. A key component of this collaboration involves strengthening intellectual property protections on these digital platforms to ensure consumer trust and combat counterfeit items. The DIP highlighted the early success of the 'Pa La-U durian,' which has secured orders for 100 units per week in Singapore, serving as a case study for the potential of Thai identity-based products abroad.
For residents and travelers, this development suggests a more streamlined availability of authentic, high-quality Thai regional products through digital channels. It may also lead to better verification standards for those purchasing Thai goods online. While the initial focus is on the Singaporean market, the long-term impact on global availability remains to be confirmed as the DIP continues to refine its digital marketing and protection frameworks. Further details regarding the specific timeline for expanding this program to other regions have not yet been disclosed.