Biotech Updates

Thailand Ministries Request Lift of Ban on GM Field Trials

August 17, 2007

Three prominent Thai Ministers: Thira Sutabutra, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Yongyuth Yuthavong, Ministry of Science and Technology; and Kasem Snidvongs, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, agreed that lifting the ban on field trials of genetically-modified (GM) crops would promote research on GM crops and pave the way for the commercial production of transgenic crops in the country. Thailand’s GM crop research and development has been limited to the laboratory and greenhouse during this six years ban.

The Agriculture Minister is optimistic that the ban will be lifted after other Ministers, including the Minister of Public Health, expressed support for genetic engineering technology. Minister Thira added that “Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has always allowed free decisions in the ministry and believes that GM field trials should be conducted once the biosafety laws are promulgated, thus ensuring the control of any  possible damages”.  

 A priority list of GM crops for field trials includes PRSV resistant papaya, GM oil palm and orchids.  

For details, view the press release at: http://archives.mybangkokpost.com/bkkarchives/frontstore/news_detail.html?aid=210562&textcat=General%20News&from=news&click_page=11