A Geographical Indication, commonly known as GI, is a form of intellectual property that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical area. In Thailand, the Geographical Indications Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003) defines a GI as a name, symbol, or other form of identification that links a product to its place of origin. Products registered under a Geographical Indication are recognised for their quality, reputation, or distinctive characteristics that are closely connected to the natural environment, local knowledge, and traditional production methods of that area. GI registration helps protect the identity and reputation of local products, while also increasing their value, strengthening consumer confidence, and supporting sustainable income for local communities.
In simpler terms, a Geographical Indication is created through the close connection between nature and people. Local communities use the unique natural characteristics of their geographical area—such as climate, soil conditions, or locally available raw materials—to produce goods that are distinctive to that location. As a result, these products develop special qualities that are directly linked to their place of origin. These may include a recognised level of quality, a strong reputation, or other unique characteristics associated with the geographical area. Geographical Indications can generally be divided into two categories
Direct Geographical Indications
A Direct Geographical Indication uses the name of a specific geographical location to identify the origin of a product. The geographical name is directly associated with the product and its place of production, such as Chaiya or Phetchabun.
Indirect Geographical Indications
An Indirect Geographical Indication uses a symbol, image, or recognised landmark to represent the geographical origin or production area of a product. Examples may include district or provincial symbols, such as the image of Ya Mo, or well-known landmarks associated with a particular location, such as the Eiffel Tower.
Eligibility for Geographical Indication Registration The following parties are eligible to apply for the registration of a Geographical Indication in Thailand: Government agencies, state organisations, state enterprises, local administrative authorities, or other legally recognised public bodies whose area of responsibility covers the geographical origin of the product. Individuals, groups of individuals, or legal entities involved in producing or conducting business related to the product using the Geographical Indication, provided that they are located within the relevant geographical area. Consumer groups or consumer organisations representing consumers of products bearing the Geographical Indication. A Geographical Indication submitted for registration must already be recognised by consumers and have an established history of use or public reference. It cannot be a newly created name developed solely for registration purposes. Under Thai law, the right to use a registered Geographical Indication is not limited to the original applicant. Local producers and businesses involved with the product may also use the GI, provided that they operate within the designated geographical area and comply with the required production and quality standards. A Geographical Indication cannot be privately owned by a single person or organisation. Instead, it is a collective right shared by eligible producers and businesses within the registered area. Local stakeholders must therefore work together to maintain consistent quality standards and preserve the reputation, value, and distinctive identity of the geographical indication.
The Importance of Geographical Indication Registration and Awareness
According to information from Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, 35 products were registered as Geographical Indications during the seven-year period beginning in 2004. These included 29 Thai products and six products from overseas.
Examples of registered GI products included Doi Tung Coffee, Trang Roast Pork, Sriracha Pineapple, Kalasin Praewa Silk, Sangyod Muang Phatthalung Rice, Chaiya Salted Eggs, Surin Hom Mali Rice, Ban Chiang Pottery, Phanat Nikhom Basketry, Champagne, and Scotch Whisky.
The limited number of registrations at that time suggested that many farmers and business operators still lacked sufficient knowledge and understanding of the importance, value, and benefits of Geographical Indications. GI registration helps identify products that reflect the distinctive identity of a particular area and differentiates them from similar products originating elsewhere.
Greater awareness is also needed regarding the importance of registering geographical indications and becoming an authorised GI user. Government agencies should strengthen public communication and awareness campaigns to encourage local producers and relevant organisations to identify and register distinctive products originating from their communities.
Geographical Indication registration plays an important role in preserving local identity, maintaining and improving product quality, increasing commercial value, and protecting regional products from imitation by competitors in other areas. More effective communication is also needed to increase consumer awareness, demonstrate the value of GI certification, and encourage greater demand for GI-certified products.
Supporting Geographical Indications should be a shared responsibility involving communities, producers, government agencies, consumers, and all relevant sectors, rather than being assigned to any single organisation. The following article will explore the benefits of Geographical Indications for producers, local communities, and consumers in greater detail.
1 กรมทรัพย์สินทางปัญญา. พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองสิ่งบ่งชี้ทางภูมิศาสตร์ พ.ศ.2546.
http://www.ipthailand.go.th/ipthailand/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=233&Itemid=470
ค้นหาเมื่อวันที่ 9 กันยายน 2554
2 กรมทรัพย์สินทางปัญญา. คู่มือการขึ้นทะเบียนสิ่งบ่งชี้ทางภูมิศาสตร์.
http://www.ipthailand.go.th/ipthailand/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=331&Itemid=251
ค้นหาเมื่อวันที่ 14 กันยายน 2554
3 กรมทรัพย์สินทางปัญญา. คู่มือการขึ้นทะเบียนสิ่งบ่งชี้ทางภูมิศาสตร์.
http://www.ipthailand.go.th/ipthailand/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=331&Itemid=251
ค้นหาเมื่อวันที่ 13 กันยายน 2554
4 กรมทรัพย์สินทางปัญญา. สิ่งบ่งชี้ทางภูมิศาสตร์
http://www.ipthailand.go.th/ipthailand/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=24&Itemid=201
ค้นหาเมื่อวันที่ 13 กันยายน 2554
5 กรมทรัพย์สินทางปัญญา. ประกาศขึ้นทะเบียน.
http://www.ipthailand.go.th/ipthailand/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=372
ค้นหาเมื่อวันที่ 9 กันยายน 2554
Saeng-arun Yulai
Regional Planning Division
Office of Planning and Strategy
Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP)