Allowing GMO crops to be grown here is too big a risk

All of Thailand’s newly-installed governments in the past have been tempted by Western seed companies to allow genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be grown and used freely in the country. 

All those governments have resisted the temptation. The Prayut Chan-o-cha government can do the same – if it is smart and has a long-term vision for the country. 

Thailand has always been eyed by foreign seed firms as a gateway to Asean markets for their agricultural products and “technological know-how”. 

Each year, millions of dollars have been spent by these firms as “contributions” to government officials and academics, to gain their support for GMO products. 

The Prayut government must understand that Thailand does not need GMOs. Our country is No 1 in rice exports, meaning that we can produce in excess of what our people can consume more than any country in the world. GMOs, if allowed to be grown and used in Thailand, will hinder the country’s competitiveness in the world markets – not help it. Thai politicians, government officials and academics should think long-term for their country, and help keep it free from GMOs. 

No matter how good you think your reasons in support of GMOs are, it’s not worth it for the country in the long term.

Vint Chavala

Bangkok