Two Ratchaburi fruits gain GI status to boost local economy

Two of Ratchaburi’s distinctive agricultural products — Damnoen Saduak Pan lime, also known as Damnoen Pan lime, and Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai mango — have been registered as new Geographical Indication (GI) products.

The recognition reinforces the quality and production standards of the province’s agricultural products. GI registration also helps protect the rights of producer communities, increase product value and create further opportunities to generate income and support sustainable local economic development.

Auramon Supthaweethum, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), explained that the department was advancing a policy led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to use intellectual property as a tool to add value to Thai products, create trade opportunities, raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen local economies.

The department has been instructed to accelerate the use of GI protection in various areas to upgrade high-value agricultural products and enhance the competitiveness of Thai goods in global markets.

Ratchaburi now home to eight GI products

Ratchaburi is one of Thailand’s major agricultural production centres, with local products distinguished by their quality, reputation and unique characteristics. The province therefore has strong potential to use the GI system to increase the value of local products and strengthen their competitiveness.

The registration of Damnoen Saduak Pan lime and Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai mango brings Ratchaburi’s total number of GI products to eight. They join six existing products: Ratchaburi dragon jars, Bang Chang chilli, Photharam preserved radish, Bang Phae giant freshwater prawn, Ban Kha pineapple and Ratchaburi aromatic coconut.

Together, the eight GI products generated more than 8.53 billion baht in economic value for the province in 2025, Auramon said.

She added that the figure reflected cooperation among farmers, communities and local agencies in preserving traditional knowledge while continuously maintaining production quality and standards, resulting in distinctive agricultural products recognised by consumers in Thailand and overseas.

Damnoen Saduak Pan lime generates over 716 million baht a year

Damnoen Saduak Pan lime, or Damnoen Pan lime, is a long-established Pan lime variety known for its distinctive flattened, round shape, thin skin and smooth, glossy surface. When rolled or squeezed, the fruit releases a strong aroma that lingers on the hands.

Its flesh is clear white, with few, flat seeds. The fruit produces abundant juice with a sour but non-bitter taste and a distinctive fragrance.

These characteristics are attributed to Ratchaburi’s growing conditions, including fertile loamy soil with good drainage, water supplied by the Mae Klong River basin and a suitable climate.

Combined with cultivation knowledge and experience passed down through generations of farmers, these factors have helped establish Damnoen Saduak Pan lime as one of Thailand’s recognised high-quality limes.

The product generates more than 716 million baht in economic value each year. Those wishing to support growers in Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi, can contact Somchai at 086-1677501.

Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai mango reaches overseas markets

Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai mango covers both the Nam Dok Mai Si Thong and Nam Dok Mai No. 4 varieties, which are popular in Thailand and overseas.

The mango is distinguished by its elongated shape, broad and rounded stem end and tapered tip. It has thin but durable, smooth skin that turns an attractive yellow when ripe.

The flesh is firm, smooth and fine-textured, with no fibres, while its taste is sweet and aromatic. Its seed is thin and flat.

These characteristics result from geographical and climatic conditions suited to mango cultivation, combined with local farmers’ expertise in managing orchards and caring for the crop. This enables Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai mangoes to maintain consistent quality and be produced throughout the year.

The mangoes also have export potential in several overseas markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, the Middle East and the European Union. They generate more than 166 million baht in economic value annually.

Consumers wishing to support growers can contact the Bang Phae Export Mango Producer Community Enterprise through its Facebook page or call Rachen at 086-0419517.

DIP to expand GI value across the supply chain

Auramon added that registering Damnoen Saduak Pan lime and Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai mango as GI products marked another important step in protecting Ratchaburi’s distinctive local products and creating added value from local knowledge.

The registrations are also intended to open further trade opportunities and support sustainable community economic development.

Following GI registration, DIP will work with the province and relevant agencies to expand the benefits of GI protection throughout the value chain, covering the maintenance of production standards, the development of local brands and new products, the promotion of GI ingredients in the food industry, the development of identity-based tourism and creative businesses built around cultural assets and traditional knowledge, and the expansion of markets in Thailand and overseas.

These measures are expected to further increase the value of Ratchaburi’s GI products, provide more stable incomes and strengthen the province’s community economy over the long term, Auramon concluded.