Thai Soft Power Surges: 27 Geographical Indication Products from 39 Provinces Generate 440 Million Baht
Thailand's geographical indication products from 39 provinces—including pottery and handicrafts—generated 440 million baht in 2025, with Phatthalung kratip leading at 150 million baht as the government pushes community-based economic develo
The Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Commerce announced on April 25, 2025, that 27 products in the pottery, handicraft, and natural material product categories (excluding agricultural goods and textiles) have been registered as geographical indications (GI) from 39 provinces nationwide, generating a combined market value of 440 million baht in 2025.
These statistics reflect not only the integration of natural resources with local wisdom but also demonstrate the value, standards, quality, and reputation of Thai GI products recognized at both national and international levels.
Ormorn Sapsapattana, director of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed that the department aims to develop community economies through GI registration and protection to build confidence and promote market opportunities for Thai community-branded products. This effort forms part of the government's 10 Plus economic policy in the SMEs Plus dimension, designed to enhance competitiveness for Thai entrepreneurs, as well as the policy priorities of Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammanont, who emphasizes strengthening SMEs through community economic development via GI.
GI products are distinguished by their unique quality and identity linked to their origin, including geography, climate, and long-inherited local wisdom. These factors create distinctive products that stand out when combined with rigorous production quality controls, thereby adding value and earning recognition from both domestic and international consumers.
Thailand currently has 256 GI products, with over 210 in the agriculture and agricultural processing categories. The remaining products span diverse categories including textiles, pottery, handicrafts, and natural material products—all serving as Thailand's soft power recognized internationally.
Among pottery, handicraft, and natural material GI products, the top five value-generating products in 2025 are:
Rank 1: Phatthalung kratip leads with the highest value of 150 million baht in 2025. Current retail prices average 300 baht per piece, representing a 50% increase from the pre-GI price of 200 baht per piece. Phatthalung kratip is produced in Phatthalung Province's swampland and wetland areas with freshwater, brackish, and saltwater conditions. The geography features lagoon-like formations with two rainy seasons (October-January and May-September), ensuring year-round humidity ideal for kratip palm growth. The resulting fiber is tough, non-brittle, non-cracking, and uniform in size. The white clay in the region gives kratip its glossy sheen and excellent flexibility, enabling high-quality production of diverse woven products—from daily-use items and table accessories to decorative pieces and souvenirs—designed and decorated in ways that reflect the lifestyle of Phatthalung residents.
