Department of Agriculture Confirms CPRAM Holy Basil Registration Compliance

The Thai Department of Agriculture has officially concluded its investigation into the registration of four specific holy basil (kaphrao) varieties by CPRAM. According to Prachachat Business, the department confirmed that the registration process fully complies with the Plant Variety Protection Act of 1999. Officials emphasized that the protection rights granted to these specific varieties are narrow in scope. The registration does not extend to indigenous holy basil or common varieties found throughout the country. Consequently, local farmers and the general public remain free to cultivate, consume, and sell traditional holy basil as they have done previously without legal restriction. For residents and visitors, this clarification serves to address concerns regarding potential monopolies on common culinary ingredients. The department's statement aims to reassure the public that the legal protection is limited to the specific proprietary strains developed by the company. While this investigation clarifies the current legal standing of these four varieties, observers may continue to monitor how such intellectual property protections are applied to agricultural products in the future. No further regulatory changes regarding the general cultivation of holy basil have been announced at this time.