Senators Oppose Corporate Registration of Holy Basil Varieties
Two Thai senators have publicly challenged the registration of specific holy basil (krapao) varieties by a major corporation, urging government intervention.
On October 26, 2026, Thai senators Wuttipong Pongsuwan and Sahaphan Rungrojpanich held a press conference to voice opposition regarding the registration of four specific varieties of holy basil (krapao). The senators expressed concerns over a major corporation’s attempt to secure intellectual property rights or registration for these plant varieties, which are a staple of Thai cuisine.
According to Thai Post, the senators are calling on the government to review the registration process to ensure that such actions do not negatively impact local farmers or the broader agricultural sector. They argue that the commercial control of common culinary herbs could have long-term implications for food security and traditional farming practices.
For residents and visitors, this issue highlights ongoing debates regarding agricultural policy and corporate influence over food sources in Thailand. While holy basil remains widely available in markets and restaurants, the outcome of this political pushback could influence future regulations on plant variety protection. It remains to be confirmed how the government will respond to these demands and whether the registration process for these specific basil varieties will be suspended or subjected to further scrutiny. No immediate changes to the availability or pricing of dishes containing holy basil have been reported.
