The Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, has launched the GI for "Irish Whiskey," a grain-distilled spirit from the island of Ireland, embodying a taste of culture and wisdom passed down for more than 500 years.,
The Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, announced the registration of "Irish Whiskey," a distilled spirit from the Republic of Ireland, as the 25th foreign Geographical Indication (GI) registered in Thailand (and the 11th from the European Union). This marks an important step in enhancing consumer confidence in the product's quality, standards, and origin. It also reflects the ongoing strong cooperation between Thailand and the European Union.
Oramon Sapthaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed that the department's mission includes protecting GIs for both Thai and foreign products, especially those with renowned reputations, linked to specific production areas, and with long production histories. Protecting foreign GIs in Thailand serves as a key mechanism to exchange and further develop cooperation, supporting Thai GI products to gain registration and protection abroad. Recently, the department announced "Irish Whiskey" as the 25th foreign GI product registered in Thailand.
Regarding the recently registered GI product, "Irish Whiskey," Oramon explained that it is a distilled spirit produced on the island of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It reflects cultural stories, traditional knowledge, local geography, and climate integrated into every production step—from selecting local grains like properly malted barley instead of grapes or other fruits as raw materials, to using water distilled from natural sources that may be hard or soft, affecting the flavor of the grain during milling. This combines with the skills, wisdom, and expertise of local producers passed down since the 6th century.
Furthermore, Ireland's climate is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, creating warmth and humidity year-round, which plays a crucial role in the aging process that takes at least three years. The moderate temperature helps alcohol absorb color and compounds from the wooden barrels evenly, resulting in whiskey ranging from light golden to deep amber in color, with a uniquely smooth and mellow taste. These factors have contributed to Irish Whiskey's GI certification and its internationally recognized quality over a long period.
The GI registration application for Irish Whiskey in Thailand reflects the importance of the Thai market and helps boost Thai consumers' confidence that the products sold are genuine, high-quality, and meet international standards.
Oramon added that currently, there are 25 foreign products registered as GIs in Thailand, covering items from the European Union, Asia, and other regions, such as Champagne (France), Scotch Whisky (Scotland), Prosciutto di Parma (Italy), Napa Valley wine (USA), Tequila (Mexico), Yubari melon (Japan), and Buon Me Thuot coffee (Vietnam), among others.
Ireland is a member of the European Union and an important trading partner of Thailand. The department's expedited GI registrations for EU products not only benefit consumers by building trust in products sold domestically but also serve as a policy tool to enhance trade confidence, elevate Thailand's image as a country with a standardized GI protection system, and foster sustainable intellectual property cooperation globally.
Currently, 10 Thai products have obtained GI registration abroad in 33 countries, including Thung Kula Rong Hai fragrant jasmine rice (in the EU, Malaysia, and Indonesia), Doi Chang coffee (in the EU and Japan), and Lamphun pattern silk fabric (in India and Indonesia), among others.
Oramon also stated that by 2026, the department plans to submit two more GI applications abroad: Phatthalung Sangyod rice to Japan, and Phitsanulok golden Nam Dok Mai mangoes to Malaysia. This aims to expand international intellectual property cooperation, create trade opportunities, and simultaneously preserve identity and uphold standards for GI products at the global level, benefiting producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers sustainably.