CP Group Issues Statement Regarding Holy Basil Patent Controversy
Charoen Pokphand Group has clarified that its subsidiary, CPRAM, is responsible for the registration of four specific holy basil varieties, denying claims of a nationwide monopoly.
On October 24, 2026, the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group released an official statement addressing public concerns and allegations regarding the patenting of four new holy basil (kaphrao) varieties. The company clarified that the registration process was conducted exclusively by its subsidiary, CPRAM, and is not linked to the broader CP Group or its senior chairman, Dhanin Chearavanont.
Recent social media discourse suggested that CP had secured intellectual property rights over all holy basil in Thailand, leading to fears that local farmers and residents would be prohibited from growing or trading the herb without authorization. CP Group categorically denied these claims, labeling them as misinformation. The company emphasized that there are over 300 varieties of holy basil in Thailand and that their research efforts are intended to provide agricultural benefits rather than create a monopoly.
For residents and visitors, this clarification serves to dispel rumors regarding the availability of common Thai ingredients. The company has announced its intention to pursue legal action against those spreading what it describes as false information. As of now, the specific legal status of the four registered varieties and the potential impact on agricultural regulations remain matters of ongoing public and legal discussion. Observers should monitor official updates to distinguish between specific commercial plant breeding and general agricultural rights.
