Author : Hiran Hiranpradit

Summary : The government of Thailand has recognized biotechnology as an important tool for improving agricultural development since 1983, establishing the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) in the same year to spearhead activities in this area. The National Biosafety Committee (NBC) is tasked to regulate genetic engineering and other related work. Guidelines for laboratory practices, field trials, and planned release of genetically modified (GM) organisms have been set up and implemented. As of the year 2000, six limited field trials of GM crops (Bt cotton and Bt corn) and confined experiments of GM tomato, rice, corn and papaya with various traits had been conducted in Thailand. Importation of transgenic crops covering 40 species is allowed only for experimentation and commercialization. However, the importation of processed GM food and GM soybean and corn for the food, feed and other industries is allowed.