Intellectual Property Department Pushes Moo Tak's Milk toward GI Protection Worth 5.6 Billion Baht
The Intellectual Property Department is advancing geographic indication protection for Moo Tak dairy milk, a product worth 5.6 billion baht annually from Thailand's pioneering dairy farming region in Saraburi Province.
The Intellectual Property Department traveled to Moo Tak district to advance the registration of 'Moo Tak dairy milk' as a geographically indicated product, highlighting its premium-quality identity originating from Thailand's first professional dairy farming region. On May 15, 2025, Intellectual Property Department Director Ormorn Sapthavithorn and her team visited the Moo Tak Dairy Cooperative Limited in Nong Yang Suea Subdistrict, Moo Tak District, Saraburi Province, to promote and verify the potential of 'Moo Tak dairy milk' for geographic indication registration, with the goal of adding value and protecting the identity of this premium dairy product that is a source of Thai pride.
The department director revealed that Moo Tak District in Saraburi Province has been a pioneer in dairy farming since 1960, following the royal initiative of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who recognized the importance of developing dairy farming as a stable livelihood for farmers. The mountainous terrain at 300-600 meters elevation provides cool weather year-round and fertile soil that produces nutrient-rich animal feed high in protein and minerals, making it ideal for dairy farming.
Local farmers select high-quality purebred cattle and manage them with semi-natural systems, providing fresh roughage and animal feed while maintaining strict farm standards focused on cleanliness and cattle health. This results in Moo Tak milk's distinctive sweet, creamy taste, rich texture, and unique aroma, which has been recognized by consumers nationwide for over 60 years.
Today, Moo Tak dairy milk is crucial to the region's economy, producing approximately 259 million kilograms annually and generating annual sales of over 5.6 billion baht, creating income for approximately 4,200 small farms locally.
During this visit, the Intellectual Property Department director, accompanied by Commerce Ministry inspector Kanista Kangsawanich, Saraburi Commerce Officer Chai Choun Charoen, and representatives from agricultural and livestock offices, inspected dairy farms and modern milk production and processing facilities meeting international standards such as GAP and GMP/GHP, including pasteurized and UHT milk production.
They also consulted with Sukont Pakekaete, chairman of the Moo Tak Dairy Cooperative, Suporn Tiannawa, vice-chairman of Thai Milk Cooperative, and dairy farmers to assess the product's GI registration potential. Director Ormorn emphasized that Moo Tak milk is a source of pride for Saraburi residents, representing Thailand's dairy farming origins with the country's largest concentration of dairy farmers producing over 100 tons daily. Unlike ordinary raw milk, this product reflects the authentic identity of Moo Tak's soil and climate, delivering distinctive quality and flavor that are difficult to replicate, while meeting international standards that demonstrate the professionalism of local producers.
