Chumphon: The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is promoting Chumphon durian as a new GI product, inviting people to sample the unique flavors of southern durian, including its sweet, creamy taste and world-class quality. Ms. Auramon Sapphaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed that geographical indications (GIs) are intellectual property that play a crucial role in community economic development. They are considered special products, representing the reputation or identity of a community, linked to its geographical features (soil, water, air, and local wisdom), thus distinguishing them from conventional products. By ensuring quality and maintaining production standards through GI registration, consumers can be assured that the products meet expectations, thus generating higher prices than conventional products. This also generates income and jobs for communities. This aligns with the Minister of Commerce's (Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun's) Quick Big Win policy, which prioritizes strengthening Thai SMEs, using GIs as a key mechanism to drive the local economy.
According to Thai News Agency, the latest Thai GI product to be recognized by the department is the Chumphon durian. This Mon Thong durian is characterized by its oval shape, distinct serrations, thin peel, thick, smooth, fine, pale yellow flesh, and soft, chewy fibers. It has a sweet, creamy flavor and a mild aroma. Its small, flat seeds are unique to this region, distinguishing it from other durian varieties. Chumphon Province is a major durian growing region in the country, having been cultivated since 1937. The province has been continuously expanding due to its fertile soil and favorable climate, influenced by sea breezes and monsoons. This results in Chumphon durian's distinctive taste and quality, attracting demand both domestically and internationally. Currently, there are over 1,449 durian growers in Chumphon, producing over 222,000 tons annually. The province hosts the annual "Chumphon Durian Day" event to promote marketing and raise awareness among domestic consumers, as well as export to key inter national markets such as China, South Korea, and the United States, generating over 31.851 billion baht in revenue annually.
The registration of "Chumphon Durian" reflects the success of Thailand's GI development and protection. The Department is committed to promoting the utilization of GI intellectual property to enhance the economy and enhance the country's competitiveness. This includes registration, rights protection, and promotion of local products to international recognition. The Department not only protects the reputation of the products but also promotes the establishment of quality control systems and traceability to ensure GI products meet standards and gain global market acceptance. The Department also promotes value-added initiatives such as packaging development, cultural tourism enhancements, and the expansion of domestic and international distribution channels.
Chumphon durian is the sixth GI product from Chumphon Province, following the Chumphon yellow rice, Chumphon lady finger banana, Khao Thalu coffee, Tham Sing Chumphon coffee, and Lamae golden banana, which were previously registered as GIs. In 2025 (January-September), the five products generated a combined economic value of over 177 million baht. The Department of Intellectual Property continues to promote Thai GI products for registration and protection, ensuring that "local wisdom" can create "sustainable economic value" and serve as a sustainable driving force for the national economy.