Thailand Grants GI Status to Two Traditional Spices

According to a report by Khaosod Online, the Thai Department of Intellectual Property has officially registered two traditional spices as Geographical Indication (GI) products as of August 2026. The newly recognized items are 'Chiang Mai Makwaen' from Chiang Mai province and 'Sungai Upe Pepper' from Satun province.

These spices are noted for their unique characteristics, which are derived from specific local plant varieties, regional climates, and traditional production methods. The Ministry of Commerce, under the direction of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthumpun, is promoting the GI mechanism as a key policy to enhance the value of agricultural products throughout the supply chain. By leveraging intellectual property, the government aims to increase income for local farmers, SMEs, and producer communities while ensuring product quality and consumer confidence.

For residents and travelers, this development highlights a growing emphasis on authentic regional ingredients. The GI status serves as a mark of quality, potentially making these spices more accessible in high-quality food products and local markets. While the registration is complete, it remains to be seen how these specific GI-certified products will be integrated into broader commercial distribution channels and whether this will lead to increased availability in retail markets across Thailand. The initiative is part of a broader effort to differentiate Thai agricultural goods in both domestic and international markets.