Thai Parliamentary Committee Clarifies Holy Basil Patent Concerns
A parliamentary committee has confirmed that recent patents on specific 'Kaew Juree' holy basil varieties do not restrict the public from growing or selling traditional basil.
On November 6, 2026, the House Committee on Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation addressed public concerns regarding the patenting of 'Kaew Juree 1-4' holy basil varieties. Committee spokesperson Thanyathorn Thaninwattanathorn clarified that these intellectual property protections apply exclusively to the specific, newly developed strains and do not grant ownership over all holy basil varieties. Residents and farmers remain free to cultivate, consume, and sell traditional or other non-patented basil varieties without restriction. The committee explained that the research project, conducted by Kasetsart University and funded by CPRAM Co., Ltd. with a budget of 5.5 million baht, aimed to develop a basil strain with a consistent aroma. While the patent protects the specific commercial rights of the developers, the committee emphasized that the public is only required to seek permission if they intend to sell the specific patented varieties in direct competition with the rights holders. For residents and visitors, this means that the availability of common holy basil in local markets and street food remains unaffected. The committee continues to oversee how research institutions manage intellectual property rights to ensure that public interests are balanced with commercial development. Further details regarding the long-term impact of such research partnerships on agricultural biodiversity remain a subject of ongoing parliamentary review.
