SI-012-08 :
Seed Sovereignty &
Genetic Resource Strategy

Situation

Thailand possesses rich biodiversity and a wide range of indigenous and commercial plant varieties. However, the country lacks a fully integrated system to systematically protect, develop, and capitalize on its genetic resources.

Current challenges include:

• Fragmented collection and preservation of plant genetic resources

• Limited protection of indigenous and local plant varieties

• Risk of biopiracy and foreign patent claims over native species

• Weak linkage between research institutions, farmers, and industry

• Underutilization of genetic assets for high-value agricultural innovation

As global competition intensifies in biotechnology and agriculture, genetic resources are increasingly becoming a strategic national asset.

Shift

The global agricultural system is shifting from resource-based farming → genetic and bio-innovation-driven agriculture.

Key transitions include:

• From traditional breeding → advanced genetic improvement and biotechnology

• From open biological resources → protected and monetized genetic assets

• From commodity crops → engineered, high-performance, and climate-resilient varieties

• From local knowledge → globally competitive bio-intellectual property

Control over seeds and genetic materials is becoming a core layer of food security, economic value, and technological sovereignty.

Advantage

Thailand has strong potential to become a Regional Genetic Resource & Seed Innovation Hub:

• High biodiversity across multiple ecosystems

• Rich heritage of indigenous crop varieties

• Strong agricultural research institutions

• Existing base of commercial crop production

• Integration potential with food industry and export markets

This allows Thailand to position itself as:

“A Custodian and Innovator of Tropical Genetic Resources”

—not just preserving biodiversity, but turning it into strategic value.

Additional Structural Advantage

Thailand can develop a comprehensive genetic resource ecosystem:

• Preservation Layer → National seed banks and genetic repositories

• Protection Layer → Plant variety protection (PVP) and intellectual property systems

• Innovation Layer → R&D in breeding, biotechnology, and genetic improvement

• Commercialization Layer → Licensing, seed industry development, and global market integration

• Data Layer → Digital genetic database integrated with agri-data platforms (SI-012-05)

Supported by:

• Public–private–academic collaboration

• Legal frameworks aligned with international standards

• Integration with Smart Farming and Agri-Tech systems

This creates a system where genetic resources are preserved, protected, and monetized strategically.

Implication

Without a seed sovereignty strategy:

• Thailand risks losing control over its own genetic resources

• Indigenous plant varieties may be exploited or patented externally

• Limited ability to compete in high-value agricultural innovation

• Dependence on foreign-developed seeds increases

With a strong genetic resource strategy:

• Thailand secures control over its biological foundation

• Builds competitive advantage in agri-biotech and seed industries

• Generates new revenue streams from genetic IP and licensing

• Strengthens long-term food security and climate resilience

Action Layer