Slow Progress in Policy Formulation and Implementation of Agri-biotechnology in Thailand

Thailand was one of the countries in Southeast Asia which conducted various research and field trials in agricultural biotechnology in the early years of the 21^st century, said the USDA FAS GAIN Report. However the strong voice of the anti-group and the unfavorable perception of the public prompted the government to issue a total ban on GM crop research and field trials. The lifting of the ban in 2007 necessitated a review of all the regulations on GM.

According to the Report, the Biosafety Law draft was finally reviewed by the Government legal office and is ready for submission to the Ministerial Cabinet for approval. It is hoped that with the passing of the Law, onerous requirements such as the approval of the Cabinet on all biotech field trials and commercialization will be deleted. This slow move of the policy and the generally unfavorable public perception may bring negative impact on the seed production industry in Thailand, the Report said.

For details, see the full report at  http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Agricultural%20Biotechnology%20Annual_Bangkok_Thailand_7-16-2012.pdf.