The Department of Foreign Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce, has continued to emphasize the protection of intellectual property rights of Hom Mali rice, or Thai jasmine fragrant rice, and the expansion of its markets in accordance with Thai rice strategies.

Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had acknowledged the department’s renewal of the Thai Hom Mali rice trademark and certification mark, as a way to protect the intellectual property rights of Hom Mali.

The Thai Hom Mali rice trademark and certification mark have been registered with the Department of Intellectual Property since 1991 and 1998, respectively. Later, the trademark and certification mark were registered with 48 countries worldwide and they are renewed every 10 years from the registration date.

In 2022, Thailand renewed the trademark and certification mark of Hom Mali in 12 countries, namely the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Israel, Switzerland, Spain, Benelux, Iceland, and Canada. In 2023, it is in the process of renewing these trademark and certification mark with another eight countries, namely Türkiye, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Austria, Japan, Sweden, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The Department of Foreign Trade has also continued to develop the database of the List of Certified Thai Hom Mali Rice Brands and step up campaigns to make Hom Mali better known internationally as rice of high quality and standards.

Recognized as one of the best varieties in the world, Hom Mali is indigenous to Thailand. It is widely admired for its unique, natural fragrance, like jasmine. It not only gives off this appetizing fragrance while it is being cooked, but once cooked, the grains are delectably tender and go well with almost all dishes. 

Hom Mali rice is very popular and is also in great demand overseas. The brand of Hom Mali is well-known worldwide, especially in the high-end market.