GIs are recognised and have been registered in Thailand since 2004. Thailand is one of the pioneers of GIs protection in Asia with several GIs already registered nationally and abroad. ‘Champagne’ from France, ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ from Italy, ‘Scotch Whisky’ from Scotland and ‘Cognac’ from France are all examples of European GIs which are recognised in Thailand. In 2013 ‘Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Ronghai’ or “jasmine rice” from Thailand became the first Southeast Asian GI to be recognised in the European Union.
For a GI from a European country to enjoy protection in Thailand, there must be clear evidence that such a GI is protected under the law of its home country and has been used continuously until the date of filing an application.
Unlike in the EU, GIs might become generic in Thailand. GIs on wines and spirits and rice get stronger protection than those on agro-food products. In addition, GIs on handy crafts are protectable in Thailand.