BANGKOK, Thailand – Traders at Huai Khwang Market in Bangkok are calling for clear explanations of the legal protection granted to four newly registered basil varieties, fearing uncertainty could affect farmers, small vendors and food prices.
The concerns emerged after PPTV News visited the market on October 23 to gather opinions from vendors following public debate over the registration of four varieties known as “Kaew Juree 01–04” under Thailand’s Plant Variety Protection Act B.E. 2542 (1999). The varieties have been granted protection for 12 years, from 2024 to 2036.
Many traders said they were concerned about distinguishing protected varieties from the basil commonly sold in markets. They showed reporters the herbs they sell, explaining that basil comes in several forms, including red basil, white basil and traditional varieties with smaller leaves and abundant flowers. However, most vendors said they generally refer to the herb simply as basil rather than identifying its specific variety.
One vendor said sellers often do not know which variety they receive from growers, while customers rarely ask for the variety name when buying basil. This has raised concerns about whether traders could face legal problems if the herbs they sell resemble a protected variety, even though similar types have been cultivated and traded for decades.
Vendors also fear that uncertainty over the rules could discourage farmers from growing basil and small traders from buying it for resale. If production falls, they worry that supplies could shrink and prices rise, affecting both market vendors and restaurants.
One seller recalled that basil prices climbed to nearly 200 baht per kilogram during previous flooding, when crop damage and transport difficulties disrupted supplies. She expressed concern that any further reduction in supply could increase restaurant operating costs and eventually make popular basil dishes more expensive for consumers.
Nongnuch Thawarat, a market vendor who shared her views with reporters, said uncertainty could arise if growers, sellers and buyers could not clearly distinguish the registered varieties from other basil plants. She noted that small traders who purchase herbs from farms for resale might not know the precise variety or its origin.
Nongnuch also questioned who would benefit from the registration and how people whose livelihoods depend on growing, selling and buying basil would be protected if farmers became reluctant to cultivate the herb because of possible legal risks.
The vendors called on the government and relevant agencies to explain the scope and conditions of the protection clearly. They want to know how the rules apply to growing basil for personal consumption, cultivating it for commercial sale and purchasing it from farms for resale.
They also urged authorities to consider the potential effects on farmers, small traders and consumers, saying clear guidance would help everyone continue growing and selling basil with greater confidence.
The concerns expressed by the vendors reflect their fears about possible consequences. The actual legal implications depend on the details of the registration and the applicable plant variety protection rules, which the responsible authorities need to clarify. (Story, Photo: PPTV News)
