GI products success story: 82 billion baht for Thailand!

GI products success story: 82 billion baht for Thailand!

Promoting products of geographical origin is increasingly becoming a successful model in Thailand. The year 2025 was a particularly positive year for the initiative, as announced by Ngan Orman, Director of the Intellectual Property Department. An economic boom was triggered through comprehensive measures such as registration of GI products, quality control and targeted marketing promotion in Thailand and abroad. Already 239 geographical origin (GI) products are registered, collectively generating an impressive total value of over 82 billion baht, reports Chiang Mai News.

What is particularly pleasing is that 27 new GI products were added in the 2025 fiscal year, which together bring in an economic value of over 6.1 billion baht. Compared to last year, when there were 212 products with a market value of 76 billion baht, there is a clear upward trend. The GI products are not only important for the local economy, they also reflect the cultural identity of the regions and help strengthen communities, explains Nation of Thailand.

Top GI products on the market

But which products perform best? The top 10 GI products in 2025 are real top sellers:

• 1. Durian Monthong Khao Banthat (Trat) – 11,047 Millionen Baht
• 2. Durian Saded Nam (Yala) – 6,661 Millionen Baht
• 3. Durian Monthong (Rayong) – 4,886 Millionen Baht
• 4. Jasminreis Vulkanboden (Buriram) – 4,812 Millionen Baht
• 5. Kokosnuss Thapsakae (Prachuap Khiri Khan) – 3,776 Millionen Baht
• 6. Lao Pae (Phrae) – 3,632 Millionen Baht
• 7. Süßer Tamarinde (Phetchabun) – 3,363 Millionen Baht
• 8. Schalotte (Si Sa Ket) – 2,882 Millionen Baht
• 9. Riesengarnele Bang Phra (Ratchaburi) – 2,570 Millionen Baht
• 10. Durian Bang Nara (Narathiwat) – 2,544 Millionen Baht

The increases in recent years make it clear that the products are not only valued within Thailand, but are also generating great interest internationally. The success of the GI initiative is a clear driver for the local economy, however, warned Oramon Sapthaweetham, director general of the Department of Intellectual Property. It is important to maintain standards and further raise awareness of the benefits of GI products, emphasized TIBD Global.

Challenges and outlook

But despite the successes, there are also challenges: Some communities lack knowledge about the benefits and processes of GI registration. In addition, marketing and packaging skills are crucial for market success. Many local producers need support here to effectively market their high-quality products.

Furthermore, combating counterfeit GI products remains a major challenge for authorities. Consumers are often unsure whether they are purchasing genuine GI products, while the legal processes for international GI registration are complex and burdensome.

New measures are already planned for 2026 to further expand support for GI products. The aim is to have a stronger international presence and to offer products that meet the needs of consumers in the premium segment and in fine dining restaurants. GI products could eventually achieve a value two to five times higher than conventional products, leading to better living standards for farmers and local entrepreneurs in the long term.