Thai Agriculture Ministry Clarifies Holy Basil Protection Rules
The Department of Agriculture has clarified that recent plant variety registrations for holy basil do not restrict the public from growing or selling common varieties.
On October 22, 2026, the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives addressed public concerns regarding the registration of specific holy basil varieties, such as 'Kaew Juree 01–04.' According to Deputy Permanent Secretary Kris Uttamavetin, the registration under the Plant Variety Protection Act (1999) applies exclusively to the specific research-developed strains.
For residents and visitors, this means that common holy basil remains free to grow, consume, and sell in local markets. The protection does not grant the registrant rights over native or traditional basil varieties. However, individuals wishing to propagate, sell seeds, or distribute seedlings of the protected 'Kaew Juree' strains must obtain prior authorization from the rights holder.
This clarification is significant as it alleviates fears that traditional culinary practices might be restricted by intellectual property laws. The Ministry is currently gathering public feedback to amend the 1999 Act to better suit the national context, inviting input from farmers and the general public. Those with specific questions regarding plant variety registration or commercial cultivation can contact the Plant Variety Protection Division at 02-940-7214 or via email at [email protected]. While the current rules are clear, the ongoing legislative review process remains a point of interest for those involved in agriculture or food production.
