Politics
Concerns Raised Over Potential UPOV 1991 Adoption in Thailand
A Thai MP has alleged that foreign lobbyists are pressuring politicians to adopt the UPOV 1991 plant variety protection convention, sparking fears of increased costs for local farmers.
On September 24, 2026, Boonravee Yomjinda, a list-MP and leader of the Ruamjai Thai Party, held a press conference at the Parliament to voice concerns regarding the potential adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV 1991).
Boonravee alleged that foreign lobbyists are actively pressuring Thai politicians to expedite the passage of this convention. He warned that if ratified, UPOV 1991 would grant monopolistic rights to plant breeders, potentially restricting farmers from saving seeds and forcing them to purchase proprietary seeds from multinational corporations at prices two to six times higher than current costs. He cited the experience of Vietnam as a cautionary example of increased dependency on foreign seed supplies.
For residents and those involved in the agricultural sector, this development could signal significant shifts in food production costs and market dynamics. Boonravee has formally requested that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives suspend any moves toward signing the convention until further review.
It remains to be confirmed how the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will respond to these allegations and whether the government intends to proceed with the legislative process for UPOV 1991. As of now, the claims regarding lobbying efforts remain unverified allegations made by the MP.