Thailand Seed Industry News

Q4

Rice Farming Faces Climate Change Challenge: December 23, 2023: Thailand's rice farming, vital to its culture and economy, is increasingly impacted by climate change, including longer dry spells and higher temperatures. This has intensified the vulnerability of farmers and exacerbated rice farming's significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. To address these challenges, the Green Climate Fund has approved a $40 million project focusing on climate-smart rice farming. This initiative, led by Thailand's Rice Department in collaboration with international partners, aims to empower over 250,000 smallholder farmers with techniques to adapt to climate change while reducing emissions, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods and the environment. More details here

Incentives for Eco-Friendly Sugarcane Harvesting: December 5, 2023: Thailand's mobile cabinet has approved a USD 225 million initiative to encourage sugarcane farmers to harvest without burning crop residue, aiming to reduce PM2.5 pollution. Farmers will receive USD 3.50 per tonne for adopting this eco-friendly method. The plan, funded by the state's Bank for Agricultural and Agricultural Cooperatives, aligns with World Trade Organisation agreements and is part of a broader effort to tackle air pollution issues in the agricultural sector. More details here

Drone Project Launched to Boost Agricultural Productivity: 14 Nov: The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, announced the deployment of hundreds of agricultural drones in 500 local communities to enhance farmers' efficiency and productivity. This initiative, part of the "1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai)" project, is a collaboration between the ministry and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa). The project aims to upskill communities and farmers in drone operation and maintenance, with a focus on increasing digital capabilities and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. Depa will subsidize 60% of the drone costs, with communities covering the remaining 40% through low-interest loans or village funds, and will provide free drones to areas with high demand. The project also includes establishing 50 service centers across the country, training 1,000 participants in drone operation, and generating an estimated economic value of 350 million Baht in its first year. Source

Green Climate Fund Project Set for Launch: 7 Nov: A five-year Thai Rice Green Climate Fund (GCF) project is set to benefit over 250,000 smallholder farmers in Thailand while reducing emissions in the agricultural sector by 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The initiative, named "Thai Rice: Strengthening Climate-Smart Rice Farming," aims to bring about transformative change by implementing sustainable and climate-smart farming practices on a large scale. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the project's goal of empowering smallholders to adapt to climate change and access climate-smart farming technologies. Source

Sugar Industry Faces Challenges: 1 Nov: The sugar industry is facing challenges as prospects for the sugar crop deteriorate, with production expected to drop to 7-8 million tons in 2023-24, down from 11 million tons in the previous crop, according to the Thai Sugar Millers Corp. Exports could also decline to 4-5 million tons in the coming year from the initially expected 7 million tons in 2023. Drought has significantly impacted plantations, reducing the amount of cane available for crushing. Additionally, the Thai government recently listed sugar as a controlled commodity, potentially causing delays in fulfilling delivery contracts and affecting the industry further. Cane growers are planning protests in response to the government's move. Source

Q3

El Niño to Impact Thai Rice Production in 2023-24: 23 Sep: Thailand's rice production is expected to decline by 871,000 tonnes, or 3.27%, to 25.8 million tonnes for the 2023-24 harvest season, primarily due to the El Niño weather phenomenon. The country's rice cultivation area is also expected to decrease by 602,000 rai (approximately 95,520 hectares), or 0.96%, from the previous year. The decline is attributed to delayed rainfall and changing weather conditions. Despite the challenges, Thai rice exports have increased both in quantity and value in the first seven months of this year, with a 30.2% year-on-year increase in quantity and a 51.8% increase in value. Source

Mekong River Levels Drop, Easing Flood Impact: 04 Sep 2023: The water level of the Mekong River in Thailand's northeastern border province of Nakhon Phanom is steadily decreasing, now measuring only 6 meters deep. This decline is allowing for the faster drainage of floodwater from its tributaries, benefiting about 480 hectares of flooded rice fields. An agriculture official stated that only 48 hectares of rice fields in That Phanom district had been damaged, and the provincial agriculture office has begun distributing rice seeds and flood damage compensation to affected farmers. Source

Thai Rice Exporters Urge Government to Develop New Rice Strains: 2 Sep: The Thai Rice Exporters Association is calling on the government to focus on the strategic production of new rice varieties rather than manipulating market prices. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the association’s honorary president, emphasized the need for research and development to maintain competitiveness with other rice-exporting nations. He also stressed the importance of government intervention in developing irrigation systems. Nipon Puapongsakorn, a distinguished fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that if a support policy is needed, it should come with conditions such as sustainable farming practices. Source

Bayer Thai powers corn seed plant with solar energy: August 9: Bayer Thai Co., Ltd. has inaugurated a solar panel system to power its corn seed production facility in Phitsanulok, utilizing renewable energy. The rooftop-based solar installation covers 50% of the site's space, generating 600KW. This initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 20%, equivalent to 371 tons annually or akin to the carbon absorption capacity of 190,000 mangrove trees. The event was attended by government officials and Bayer representatives, led by Weraphon Charoenpanit, Crop Science Country Commercial Lead for Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Source.

Thailand urges reduced rice planting amid water shortages: August 3: Thailand, the world's second-largest rice exporter, is advising farmers to plant less rice due to water scarcity, potentially impacting global rice markets following India's export ban. Low rainfall has prompted the Office of the National Water Resources to encourage farmers to opt for crops with lower water requirements that can be quickly harvested. The country's cumulative rainfall is 40% below normal, heightening water shortage risks. Emphasis is placed on water conservation for consumption and cultivation, particularly for perennial crops, which don't require annual replanting like rice. Source.

Q2

Seed sector comes together at Thailand’s 17th NSC: The 17th National Seed Conference was held 23-24 May 2023 at the Vajiranusorn Building of Kasetsart University’s Bang Khen campus in Bangkok. The conference was organized by by The Seed Association of Thailand (SAT)  in cooperation with a mutlitude of both public and private sector seed and agricultural organizations -- including Asia Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), Thai Seed Trade Association (THASTA), Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Plant Breeding and Multiplication Association of Thailand, Agricultural Science Society of Thailand (ASST),; and Thailand's Department of Agricultural Extension,  Royal Forest Department, Rice Department. See full news here.

First privately-owned seed lab receives accreditation: February 22: Bayer Thailand has become the first producer and exporter of high-quality seeds to be awarded the Accredited Seed Test Laboratory certification by Thailand's Department of Agriculture (DOA). The certification aligns with the government's objective to boost Thailand's position as a global leader in Tropical seed production. The DOA aims to achieve an annual seed export of 15 billion Baht and establish Thailand as the world's top tropical seed provider. As part of its strategy, the DOA aims to promote the accreditation of privately-owned Seed Test laboratories, thereby streamlining the issuance of phytosanitary certificates. Bayer Thailand's Seed Test Lab is situated in Phitsanulok and has been authorized by the DOA to issue phytosanitary certificates for export and re-export. The company aims to enhance its production efficiency and cooperate with farmers to ensure success in producing disease-free seeds to support the country's aspirations to be a world-class producer of vegetable seed. Source

Q1

Chia Tai Field Day 2023: February 7: Taking place at Chiang Mai Research Station in Hang Dong District of Chiang Mai, Chia Tai Seed hosted the "Chia Tai Field Day 2023" to highlight the company's plant breeding innovation and present high-quality seeds. To ensure food security and advance towards sustainable agriculture, Chia Tai has researched and produced a variety of plant varieties with greater productivity and disease resistance. Mr. Supat Mekiyanon, Assistant Vice President, Seed Business of Chia Tai Company Limited, discussed their vision and dedication to plant breeding. Chia Tai has 9 local and international research and development stations, the latest being Manu Chiaravanond Building in Kanchanaburi Province. The event will showcase a range of plant varieties, including the Black Bomb 006 watermelon - the first oblong watermelon with black skin bred by Chia Tai. Read original story here

Thailand Issues New GM Foods Regulations: February 2: Thailand recently issued two Ministerial Notifications, No. 431 and No. 432, to regulate GMOs and associated food products. GMO products are divided into three groups: 1) Edited/trimmed/altered genetics for human consumption; 2) Food using Group 1 as ingredients; 3) Products from Group 1 used as food additives or nutrients. Labeling is mandatory for foods with detectable GMOs and recombinant protein from biotechnology stating that the product contains GMOs, and products with intentional GM plants or animals must also be labeled. Full details can be found in USDA Foreign Agricultural Service GAIN Report

Q4 news 

Thailand green lights authorization of third-party seed health labs: Thailand's Department of Agriculture has issued a notification dated November 11, 2022, concerning new regulations on the application and issuance of phytosanitary certificates and phytosanitary certificates for re-export. The notification updates previous regulations to allow for the application of phytosanitary certificates by electronic submission to the Export Plant Quarantine Service Group, Plant Quarantine Station, Agricultural Regulatory Division or an agency assigned by the Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, plant pest test or control can be carried out by a lab that is accredited by the Department of Agriculture. The notification goes on to detail the criteria, such as required personnel, laboratory conditions and equipment, plant testing methods, and reporting procedures as well as the application and assessment procedures for lab accreditation. Download unofficial translation here.

Thailand ePhyto exchange system online with ASEAN and China: July 1: Exporters of seeds and other agricultural products and produce from Thailand are now eligible to apply for electronic phytosanitary (ePhyto) certificates online. The required certificates relay to importing countries that the concerned plants or plant products are free from certain pests, and comply with international plant protection regulations.  From February 1 of this year Thailand’s Department of Agriculture (DOA) launched the ePhyto system, starting with the processing of pilot online applications service for an initial 22 key commodities for export to China. In May, the project gained steam during an event to officially introduce the ePhyto system, which was attended by reps from the Thai Customs Department, the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the National Telecom Public Company Limited, officers form National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) of trading partner countries and private sector representatives. According to Mr. Chaisak Ringluen (Senior Agricultural Research Specialist, Agricultural Regulatory Office at the Department of Agriculture, Thailand), Thailand and Indonesia have succeeded in end-to-end testing of ePhyto certificate exchanges, and have commenced with e-Phyto Certificate Live Operation from October 3, 2022. During a presentation at the 2022 Asian Seed Congress in November, Mr. Chaisak explained that electronic data of the phytosanitary certificate is sent from Thailand’s National Single Window (NSW) to the NPPO system of destination countries via ASEAN Single Window Gateway (ASW Gateway) for exchange with ASEAN member countries. For countries outside ASEAN region, this exchange will be facilitated directly between Thailand’s NSW and the IPPC ePhyto hub. Mr. Chaisak confirmed that Thailand is ready to commence facilitation of ePhyto exchange through both the ASW and IPPC hub. The ePhyto Solution is expected reduce or eradicate the risk of erroneous, lost, or damaged documents, which can cause delays leading to damaged or spoiled produce, and complements the Thai government’s 4.0 digitalization strategy. 

New regulation for cannabis flowers in force: A new decree that went into effect on November 12, 2022, from Thailand's Ministry of Health tightened rules concerning the growing and sale of cannabis. The new decree, which was published in the Official Gazette, replaces the original June 16 announcement to legalize cannabis.

The new regulations classify cannabis flower buds as a controlled herb. Permission must be obtained before commercial use. The exporting, processing and researching of cannabis also requires a license. The new decree strengthens previous regulations, including banning the sale of cannabis to pregnant or breastfeeding women, women under the age of 20, and students. However, the places where it can be sold and consumed (i.e. smoked) are also restricted.

Currently, smoking cannabis in the premises of business is strictly prohibited, as is promoting cannabis for commercial purposes. Marijuana must not be sold at the store for consumption at the store. The only exception is for medical purposes, which must be sold and administered by a physician or traditional Thai medicine practitioner.

The amendment was made due to concerns regarding the inappropriate consumption of cannabis, particularly among the young. Read the new decree in Thai here

Q3 news 

Cannabis food operators, handlers to be schooled: August 26: The Royal Gazette on August 25 published an announcement mandating new training requirements for food operators and handlers of food products with cannabis ingredients. The announcement, signed August 3 by the Director-General of the Department of Health (Ministry of Public Health) Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai denotes training curricula for both cannabis food operators and handlers, citing previously mandated criteria from the Public Health Ministery (2018) for all food operators and handlers to undergo food safety training.  According to the notification, food distributors who use ingredients from cannabis or hemp in their products need to complete a 30 minute course on the “suitable” use and handling of cannabis or hemp ingredients in cooking, and also covers aspects of nutrition, rules and respective penalties for “unsuitable” use. Source. The move follows Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek on July 17 announcing new measures the government will impose on concerned producers and retailers to “mitigate potential dangers from consumption of food with cannabis or hemp ingredients”. The measures emphasize labeling requirements, including the denoting of FDA supervision covering consumption guidance and rules for use covering daily consumption limits, warnings for potential adverse affects of THC and CBD and prohibiting use by children, minors (under age 20) as well as pregnant and nursing women. Source.

Chia Tai launches ‘FarmInno’ ag solution platform: July 29: Chia Tai Company Limited, Thailand’s leading innovative agricultural company, launches a new business for agricultural solutions under "FarmInno (Thailand)" brand, paving its way towards becoming a leading agricultural solution provider, while also partnering with major agricultural technology companies to present a wide variety of innovations, including drones for smart farming, smart greenhouses, and agricultural community platform. In addition, the effort includes the development of an all-in-one knowledge and agricultural community platform, with gurus recommending cultivation information, products, and agricultural services. Source

Thai rice exporters face stiff price competition: July 25: Unlike soaring prices for wheat and corn as a result of blockades and the war in Ukraine, an excess in production among Asian rice producers is putting pressure on the price of rice exports. Thai rice is still trading at USD 420 per tonne, similar to last year, while India, the world's largest rice producer, can offer prices as low as USD 343 per tonne. With Pakistan at USD 388 and Vietnam at USD 418, Thai rice producers are finding it difficult to compete. Source

Prices of variegated plants plunges as the hype dies down: July 21

Once very popular and fetching prices in the hundreds of US Dollars, shops in the country are offering variegated plants up to 90% less compared to the height of the craze. Although some species can still cost moderately high prices, around 50% of their peak, an oversupply and drop in interest have caused most variegated plant prices to nosedive and falling still. Source in Thai

Blockchain certification piloted for livestock trade: July 20. Thailand and South Korea have commenced in collaboration to utilize blockchain digital verification and certification in the trade of livestock products, the first such program for both countries. Source here and here.

Thai maize seed processor inks ‘net-zero’ agreement with Syngenta: July 19: K.P. Agro Korat Co., Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOU) with Syngenta Seeds ( Thailand ) Co., Ltd., to cooperate in the production of high quality corn seeds by utilizing biomass waste as fuel in seed drying and dehumidification process. Located in Pak Thong Chai District of Nakhon Ratchasima province, K.P. Agro Korat’s production capacity is 200 tons per day, providing dehumidification services for agricultural products, and plans to increase its capacity to 500 tons per day. Source.

Thailand's agricultural exports up year-on-year: July 18: Mr Alongkorn Phonbutr, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture Cooperatives, revealed that despite the ongoing crisis of COVID-19 and the Russo-Ukrainian war, the country was able to generate income from exporting agricultural products during the first five months of this year (January-May) with a total value of 12.7 million USD, an increase of 20.16% on the same period last year. Source in Thai

Confusion allayed on unauthorized use, sell of cannabis: July 27: Thailand’s Public Health Ministry and Narcotics suppression authorities will be working together to enforce regulations on the authorized use and sale of cannabis, which was decriminalized in June. The Kingdom became the first country in in Asia to decriminalize use and cultivation of the herb on June 9. Though following reports of wide scale commerce and lash back from certain segments at odds with the move, the Public Health Ministry on Tuesday wrote to the national police asking police to take legal action against unauthorized cannabis researchers, exporters, sellers and processors, though the letter was withdrawn so as to be revised “to avoid adversely affecting many people. “People should be allowed to use cannabis roots, stems, branches and leaves,” said  Dr Yongyot Thammawut, director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, who also noted that the Public Health Ministry plans to set a legal limit for the quantity of cannabis flowers in households' possession so that people could grow cannabis and keep its flowers for personal health-oriented use. Source. The House committee is in the process of scrutinizing the Cannabis and Hemp Bill, which is expected to conclude by the end of August before presenting it for approval by parliament and royal endorsement. Source.The combined market for marijuana and hemp in Thailand will expand by about 15% annually through 2025, when it 9is likely to reach 43 billion baht, creating opportunities for growers and small businesses, according to the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce.Source. See also Asian Seed feature story for legal review, page 34 of this issue. 

Thailand to become regional hemp hub: July 11: The government aims to make Thailand a regional hub for hemp production in the next five years. Due to the growth of the global hemp industry caused by the easing of legal restrictions in the US, Canada, Australia, EU, China, Japan and South Korea, the plant has high commercial value and is now used in a wide variety of products from animal feed to aviation. The move is expected to generate at least USD 670 million and create more jobs for the country. The global hemp industry was worth USD 3.8 billion in 2020 and is forecast to be worth USD 15 billion by 2027. Source According to the National News Bureau of Thailand, the Thai government has set a goal to generate at least 25 billion baht in revenue, with expected to yield at least 20,000 baht per rai (1,600 meters square). Source.

Phum Jai Thai party distributes ganja seeds to locals: July 8. Representatives of the political party, Phum Jai Thai, presented 48,000 cannabis seeds of the ‘Haang Gra-rork’ variety to officials of the Wang Kwang dub district administrative organization to distribute to locals for cultivation in the Nam Nao District of Phetchabun province. Source.

Chia Tai donates golf prize to charity: July 6: Management of leading Thai seed and agriculture company, Chia Tai,  recently took part in ISF World Seed Congress 2022 in Barcelona Spain where they won the ISF 2022 Golf Tournament and received a cash prize worth 5,000 Euros, provided by Incotec.

In this regard, the leadership team of Chia Tai Company Limited, Thailand’s leading innovative agricultural company, led by Mr. Prawin Khurowat, Chief Financial Officer; and Dr. Wallapat Kaewumpai, Chief Strategy Officer; alongside Ms. Duangporn Jirapipattanachai, General Manager of Commercial, Seed Business; and Ms. Anima Tatsajun, General Manager of Corporate Communications, represented the company to donate the 5,000 euro proceeds to support Thai Red Cross Society on its social benevolent mission. On this occasion, Ms. Piyanan Kumkrong, Assistant Director for Blood Procurement and Organization Image at the National Blood Centre, represents the Thai Red Cross Society to receive the contribution.

The International Seed Federation (ISF) organized the ISF World Seed Congress 2022 in Barcelona, Spain, from 16-18 May 2022, for the 73rd time. The ISF World Seed Congress is a prestigious international forum that brings together profound knowledge and experience on

agricultural innovations and high-quality seeds from a number of high-profile enterprises at the forefront of the global seeds industry. In addition, this year’s congress attracted more than 1,400 seed experts from 400 companies in 60 countries to exchange comprehensive knowledge and expertise, which will support and advance sustainable agriculture in the rapidly evolving world. Chia Tai's participation in the ISF World Seed Congress 2022 demonstrates the potential and readiness of Thai seeds to the global arena, while showing that the company is ready to share knowledge in order to develop Thai agriculture to an international level. Eventually, this is part of Chia Tai’s commitment to enhancing people’s quality of life on a sustainable basis by fostering agricultural innovations through quality products and services.

Dept of Medical Sciences distributes Thai cannabis seeds for breeding R&D: June 30: The Department of Medical Sciences recently staged a ceremony in which it provided 500 cannabis seeds of the Tanao Sri Kaan Daeng variety to the Thailand Medical Cannabis Institute. The variety, which is one of four non-hemp cannabis varieties that have been issued a plant variety protection certificate in Thailand, is said to have a high yield of the phytochemical Cannabinol (CBD) valued for its sedative medicinal properties. The granting of seeds is part of ongoing efforts by the Thai government agencies to distribute germplasm for medicinal and economical R&D purposes. Source.

Industry body urges for herbicide import ban ease: June 22: The Chemical Industries Club of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), academics, and farmers have urged the government to lift its ban on certain chemical herbicides and pesticides so as to enable Thailand to achieve its objective of becoming the “kitchen of the world”. Source. 

Q2 news 

Genome editing food safety guidelines drafted: May 3: The Food Safety Assessment of Organisms Derived from Gene Editing Technology Technical Biosafety Committee (TBC), National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology has released its latest draft of genome editing food safety guidelines, which were revised from a previous draft following a meeting of representatives from the committee academia, and seed industry representatives on April 21. Stakeholders have identified several key issues in the latest draft, which lays out requirements for SDN1 event notification status, including obtaining agreement from food regulatory committees under the Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration. APSA, with its Thailand stakeholders are following the drafting process closely and will provide more details when confirmed.

Special rice to be distributed for Royal Ploughing Ceremony: April 27:  Six breeds of rice will be distributed by the Rice Department to celebrate the Royal Ploughing Ceremony which will take place on the May 13. Bestowed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the breeds include Jasmine, Pathum Thani, Kor Khor 43, Kor Khor 6, Kor Khor 87, and Kor Khor 85. Applications are to be made online with a limit of 2 bags of rice husks per person. Original story here

First foreign-partnered medical marijuana clinic opens in Thailand: April 25:  Opened on March 7, the Herbidus Medical Center is located along Bangkok's Sukhumvit Road,and will treat patients with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, eating disorders and insomnia. The US-based Audacious brand "... will provide advisory services, operational intelligence, including cultivation, manufacturing and product development, and expansion of brand visibility in Thailand and beyond,” the company said. Original story here

EWS appoints new CFO: April 17: East-West Seed has appointed Ratiporn Ratcharoen as the new Chief Financial Officer in its latest change to its Managing Board. Ratiporn Ratcharoen (Ning) assumed the position of Chief Financial Officer effective April 18, 2022. Source

Q1 news 

Fertilizer supply sufficient for May planting: March 30: Thailand is looking to increase fertiliser imports from Saudi Arabia to ensure sufficient supply during the peak plantation season. Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, insists the country has enough domestic supply for the annual crops plantation in May. Thailand imports more than 5 million tonnes of fertiliser each year, with the main suppliers including the Middle East, China, Canada and Russia. Original story here

Corn feed demand dropping as fertilizer prices rising: March 2022: Citing a USDA GAINS report forecast that corn imports are forecast to decline 17%, while local production is forecast to drop 4% in MY2021/22 from MY2020/21,  Thai farmers are reportedly shifting from corn to more profitable crops. The decline in imports is linked to African Swine Fever,  5.3 mmt for MY2021/22, which is 4% linked to African Swine Fever outbreaks, while the drop in corn production – pegged at  5.3 mmt for MY2021/22 – is “attributed primarily to farmers shifting to more profitable crops such as cassava and sugar cane”. Furthermore, corn production costs are reportedly rising due to a surge in fertilizer costs – “the wholesale price of urea fertilizer (46-0-0) in November 2021 was up 130% from the same period in November 2020.” Report also notes that farmers are shifting from corn and other imported cereals to alternative, locally sourced feeds such as rice. See report here. 

APSA Director on Farm To Fork podcast: Released in time for Lunar New Year, the  15th episode of Asia's Farm to Fork features an interview with APSA Director, Dr. May Chodchoey,, who shared her thoughts on the important role of quality seeds for our smallholder farmers, the challenge of driving regional food security in a sustainable way, and the increasing effect climate change is having on the food supply chain. Listen to podcast here: Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast: Episode 15 | 5 Good Questions Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Thailand decriminalizes entire cannabis plant: 26th Jan: Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, recently announced that the Office of the Narcotics Control Board has approved the removal of cannabis from its list of controlled drugs. The new proposal expands on the 2020 law that saw the removal of most parts of the plant from the list of controlled drugs in 2020, except buds and seeds, by decriminalizing the entire plant. Under the new regulation cannabis with less than 0.2% by weight of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, will be decriminalized. The move opens the way for people to grow the plant at home for private medicinal use by notifying the local government office. However, home cannabis farmers have been warned they must hold off for 120 days after the rule has been published in the Royal Gazette for it to come into effect with more regulations to be drawn up in the meantime. Growing cannabis for recreational use remains a grey area although the Health Minister plans to present a draft bill to parliament that will govern the use of the herb, including commercial production and recreational use, including fines for growing without notifying the government as well as prison sentences for selling without a license.  Read full story here and here.

New Thai medical Cannabis cultivar gets PVP: A newly documented Cultivar of Cannabis Sativa has been issued a Plant Variety Protection (PVP) certificate. Details of the PVP application for the “Isara 01” cultivar of Cannabis Sativa, including the cultivar’s origin, phenotypic and physiological characteristics, were publicized by Thailand’s PVP Office (under the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives), via a notice dated December 23, 2020, which was signed by DoA Director-General Pichet Wiriyaphaha, and mandated for a 30-day period for objections to be filed. After no objection was reported, a PVP certificate was issued on January 29, 2021. According to details in the PVP application -- which was jointly lodged on behalf of the Chiang Rai Organic Agro-Forestry Foundation, Department of Medical Services and the Department of Agriculture -- the cultivar was bred over a period of 24 years, starting from landrace seeds collected from farmers, hill tribe people and law enforcement officers in several provinces in Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Nan. Though earlier generations of the cultivar were reportedly selected and bred specifically for industrial hemp purposes, later breeding and seed multiplication efforts -- carried out as part of cooperation with Maejo University, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna and the Department of Medical Services -- focused on medicinal properties. According to an analysis of leaf samples, the average cannabinoid content was reported to be 8.55% TCH and 6.93% CBD, respectively. The seeds, are grey and brown colored, and a sample of 1,000 seeds weighs 32 grams. PVP application details in Thai here. 

New regulation broadens hemp cultivation scope: Since January 29, 2021, Thai authorities have been processing applications from Thai entities for licenses to produce, import, export, distribute, and possess hemp (low THC cultivars of Cannabis sativa). According to “Ministerial Regulation Re: Application and License for Pr

oduction, Importation, Exportation, Selling or Possession of Hemp,” which came into force 30 days after it was published in the Government Gazette (on December 30, 2020), licenses may be issued for various objectives, including study, research and development, or breeding of hemp varieties as well as production of certified hemp seeds. Eligibility for licenses is restricted to Thai citizens, Thailand-registered companies with at least two-thirds of directors, partners, or shareholders holding Thai nationality, and Thailand-registered community enterprises. More details can be found here as well as Thai regulation here. According to the latest amendments to the Thai narcotics law, various parts or derivatives of the cannabis plant -- including  seeds, stems, leaves and extracts -- are not considered narcotics if they contain less than 0.2% THC.

Chia Tai donates vegetable seeds to hill tribe communities: 13 January 2021 – Chai Tai Company Limited, Thailand’s leading innovative agricultural company that has grown alongside Thai farmers for a long time, is firmly committed to driving sustainable development for Thai society by promoting people’s quality of life and enhancing children’s development in a bid to ensure food security and uplift people’s living quality on a sustainable basis.  Chia Tai has recently supported “Hom Doi Klai Nao Year 2 Project” organized by E Jan in collaboration with Phetkasem Foundation to develop 3 border patrol police schools in Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son Province, including Ban Joprakee, Ban Pomue and Ban Koprae Border Patrol Police Schools. In this regard, Chia Tai donates home garden vegetable seeds which are suitable for planting in highland climate for the local people.  See full story here. 

DoA Thailand announces seed import conditions: January 2021: The Department of Agriculture (DoA), Thailand has announced new conditions for the import of tomato, pepper, eggplant and maize seeds for sowing in Thailand. The announcement was made on 13 January, 2021 and the new conditions will come into force 90 days after the announcement date. The DoA plans to  submit the English version of the notification to World Trade Organization within February 2021. The conditions cover various seed specific requirements, conditions and procedures such as those related to certification, inspection procedures, phytosanitary measures (including species-specific pest lists and treatments) as well as seed testing sample size. The conditions will be published in English in Asian Seed magazine. Meanwhile, you can find the Thai version for pepper seeds here; eggplant seeds here; maize seeds here; and tomato seeds here. 

East-West Seeds inks MoU with Community Development Dept: On January 13 East West Seed General Manager Mr. Wichai Laocharoenpornkul signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Suthipong Chulcharoen, Director-General of the Department of Community Development under the Ministry of Interior to commit to a project to distribute 100,000 packets of East-West Seed vegetable seeds as part of a 90-day community food security initiative. Read more here.