Thailand is stepping up efforts to apply for geographical indication (GI) registration in the EU for the sangyod strain of rice from Phatthalung province and Isan silk.

Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai _ jasmine rice grown on the Thung Kula Rong Hai plateau _ recently won GI recognition from the EU.

Pajchima Tanasanti, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, said it took a five-year campaign for Thai Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai rice to obtain GI registration in the EU, effective this past Monday.
This is the first Southeast Asian strain of rice to win GI recognition from the EU.

Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai is grown on 2 million rai in Surin, Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et and Yasothon provinces.

The internationally recognised GI system protects a product by certifying it comes from a certain area and has characteristics that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

It is supposed to keep competitors from using the area's name or misleading the public about a product's origin.

Champagne, named after the region in France where sparkling wine is made, is the most famous example of a GI-protected product.

The certification will help add value to Thai products, thereby raising farmers' incomes, strengthening community networks and preserving Thailand's traditional wisdom while discouraging cheap knock-offs.

Apart from GI registration with the EU for sangyod rice _ purple rice grown only in Phatthalung province _ and Isan silk, the department also plans to apply for GI registration for Isan silk in Asean, said Mrs Pajchima.

The government has already applied for EU GI registrations for Doi Chang and Doi Tung, two well-known coffee varieties made from beans cultivated in the hills of Chiang Rai. Approval is expected this year.

Source: Bangkok post