CPRAM Clarifies Basil Registration Only Covers New Varieties
CPRAM has clarified that its registration of four new basil varieties (Kaew Juree 01-04) applies only to strains developed for its ready-to-eat food production and does not affect Thailand's 300-plus traditional basil varieties. Farmers, vendors, and restaurants can continue growing, selling, and cooking with common basil as usual. The company says varietal research is essential for agricultural competitiveness and aligning with Thailand's goal to become a global food hub.
CPRAM has moved to clear up public confusion surrounding the registration of basil variety protection, stressing that ordinary Thai basil varieties remain freely available for cultivation, consumption, and trade. The issue drew widespread attention after fears spread that Thais might lose the right to grow basil or be forced to buy seeds from private companies. Multiple stakeholders have since confirmed that traditional basil — encompassing more than 300 local varieties — is unaffected. Registering new plant varieties does not mean any single entity owns all basil.
CPRAM Managing Director Wises Wisetwinyu stated that crop breeding is routine in countries with advanced agricultural technology, including Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, and China, all of which invest continuously in varietal research. Such research produces higher-yielding, disease-resistant, climate-tolerant crops with consistent quality suited to market demand, supporting Thailand's ambition to become the "kitchen of the world."
Wises added that CPRAM prioritizes technology, R&D, and university collaboration. Beyond the 300-plus traditional varieties already in circulation, developing new strains with researchers expands consumer choice, and he expressed confidence in Thai researchers' ability to create competitive new varieties. The four newly registered Kaew Juree varieties were developed specifically as ingredients for CPRAM's ready-to-eat foods and are grown within the company's supply chain and contracted farmer network. They do not place commonly grown public basil under corporate control.
Wises underscored that protection covers only the newly registered varieties, not native or existing basil types. Farmers, consumers, traders, and food vendors may continue planting, buying, selling, and cooking with ordinary basil as normal. He clarified that a distinction must be drawn between routine trade in common basil and commercial propagation of protected varieties, which falls under legal rights and exceptions. Registering new varieties does not confer rights over every basil leaf or every pad kaphrao dish served nationwide. Thailand, he noted, possesses a rich diversity of basil.
