Pheu Thai Party Clarifies Holy Basil Intellectual Property Concerns
The Pheu Thai Party has addressed public concerns regarding the registration of holy basil varieties, confirming that common basil remains free for public use.
On October 27, 2026, Chayapa Sinthuprai, a Pheu Thai Party MP and deputy spokesperson, issued a statement to clarify public confusion regarding the registration of holy basil (kaphrao) varieties under the Plant Variety Protection Act of 1999.
Addressing widespread concerns, the party confirmed that common holy basil varieties used in daily cooking and sold in local markets are not subject to any intellectual property restrictions. Residents and visitors can continue to grow, purchase, and consume these plants without needing permission or paying royalties. The party clarified that the specific varieties registered by CP Land—known as 'Kaew Juree 01-04'—are distinct from native or common basil strains.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the 1999 Act is intended to incentivize research and development in plant breeding rather than restrict public access to traditional crops. The registered varieties have a 12-year protection period, but this does not extend to the general basil used in Thai cuisine.
For residents and travelers, this means that the availability of traditional dishes and the ability to cultivate common herbs remain unaffected. While the legal status of the four specific registered strains is clear, the broader impact of such registrations on future agricultural diversity remains a topic of ongoing public discussion. No further restrictions on common basil have been enacted.
