Pheu Thai: No Firm Can Monopolize Basil Nationwide

The Pheu Thai Party has clearly stated that no company can monopolize basil nationwide; the public can plant, sell, or eat it as usual without needing permission or paying any royalties.

October 27, 2026 – Chanyapa Sinthuprai, Roi Et MP and Pheu Thai deputy spokesperson, addressed the registration of basil variety protection, which has drawn wide public attention and concern. The party has closely monitored the case and wishes to clarify the facts to restore confidence as follows:

1. Regarding public concern over whether they can still plant, consume, and trade basil normally: Information from the Department of Agriculture confirms that common basil sold in local markets and used by the public can be planted, eaten, bought, and used for cooking as normal, without any need for permission or royalty payments. This is a different variety from the registered one and does not cover local basil, common basil, or other basil varieties.

2. Under the Plant Variety Protection Act B.E. 2542, in force for over 20 years, the law aims to protect research and development of plant varieties. Appropriate protection laws create incentives for the public sector, private sector, educational institutions, and breeders to jointly develop higher-quality, more diverse plant varieties.

3. In the case of CP Land, which registered protection in 2024 under the Plant Variety Protection Act B.E. 2542, there are only four varieties: Kaeo Juree 01-04, with a 12-year protection term, plus another variety belonging to Kasetsart University. The four varieties registered by CP Land concern only the production and sale of seeds, seedlings, and cuttings for commercial industry.

Therefore, the registration of protection does not mean a monopoly on all basil nationwide and does not affect the public's use of common basil. Since the registration in 2024, farmers and the public have still been able to buy, sell, and plant common basil in markets as normal.

Chanyapa added that Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has ordered the Department of Agriculture to investigate two points: 1) whether the registration steps were legally correct, and 2) to verify the source information and breeding process showing difference from original varieties, to ensure transparency and trust, all to protect and benefit farmers.

The Pheu Thai Party affirms its support for research and plant variety development as it helps升级 Thailand's agricultural quality, and every step must be within a transparent legal framework without affecting farmers' rights, so their livelihoods and way of life remain unaffected.

The Pheu Thai Party confirms that any company's registration of basil variety protection cannot monopolize basil nationwide; the public can still plant, eat, and sell as normal. The party will closely monitor this matter to ensure transparent, fair proceedings that do not impact farmers.