Thailand works to increase agricultural product value
Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) plans to add 22 products to the geographical indication (GI) list in 2025, aiming to increase the market value of GI products to over THB5.9 billion ($171.4 million).
216 GI products contribute more than 77 billion baht to the Thai economy last year, up 20 billion bah from 2023. Photo courtesy of bangkokpost.com.
Nusara Kanjanakul, DIP director-general, stated that 216 GI products contributed over THB77 billion to Thailand's economy in 2024, an increase of approximately THB20 billion compared to 2023.
Nusara emphasized that GI products play a crucial role in providing high-quality raw materials, and supporting the development of the country's food industry.
In addition, they are also key to Thailand's soft power. Famous GI items from Thailand, such as rice and coffee, are essential export goods and have been recognized in over 30 countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the EU.
The Thai Ministry of Commerce is currently exploring opportunities to expand the market for GI products by collaborating with leading retailers such as the Jing Jai market under the Tops supermarket chain, along with other supermarket chains, to promote seasonal products.
Additionally, the country plans to introduce GI products into the menus of Michelin-starred and Thai Select restaurants.
To support GI producers, the ministry is committed to assisting farmers in reducing production costs, enhancing online sales to reach broader markets, and improving packaging and design to increase product value.
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