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AI In-brief Today 19:56

Debate rages over corporate influence after protection granted to basil plant variety

CPRAM, a subsidiary of CP Group, secured plant variety protection for new hybrid basil strains, sparking public concern in Thailand over corporate influence, potential seed monopolies, and the erosion of traditional farmers' rights.
Kasetsart University, a research partner, defended the protection, clarifying it applies only to specific hybrid strains, not native varieties, and is essential for protecting intellectual property and fostering agricultural innovation through public-private collaboration.
CP Group and CPRAM denied top-level involvement, stating the protection is for internal use of raw materials in their ready-to-eat food division, not for commercializing seeds or creating a monopoly, while threatening legal action against misinformation.
The controversy fuels a broader debate on Thailand's potential accession to UPOV 1991 (a condition for a potential EU free-trade agreement), with proponents citing agricultural economic benefits and critics warning of risks to local biodiversity and farmer autonomy.

AI In-brief Today 15:02

The 'Thai Chuay Thai Plus' program stands out as the most appreciated government initiative, endorsed by 50.30% of respondents in the latest Suan Dusit Poll.
Despite this popular program, Thailand's overall political index fell to 3.52 out of 10 in October, with the government's weakest performance noted in tackling illegal narcotics (2.88 points).
Conversely, the Opposition's performance, particularly in scrutinizing government actions and budget spending, received a higher average score of 4.30 points, with Rukchanok Srinork identified as the most prominent opposition figure.