The Analysis of the Problems on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge Related to Herbs

Authors

  • Thanadchapon Kungsung Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

Keywords:

Herbs; Traditional Knowledge; Thai Traditional Medicine; Intellectual Property Laws

Abstract

Thailand, as a developing country, has a lot of traditional knowledge related to herbs, which developed countries are illegally taking benefits from traditional knowledge without giving anything in return. Therefore, it is crucial to protect local knowledge related to herbs. This article describes legal measures to protect local knowledge related to herbs under international laws and Thai laws, and analyzes problems and propose guidelines for developing such laws in Thailand. It was found that there were several laws of protection for local knowledge related to herbs within the framework of international laws. Thailand has the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act, B.E. 2542 (1999) and some intellectual property laws related to the protection of traditional knowledge related to herbs. However, there are problems with Thailand's laws to protect such traditional knowledge. Thailand does not yet have specific laws enacted to directly protect traditional knowledge related to herbs. Although there is the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act, B.E. 2542 (1999), it mostly protects private sector. Moreover, intellectual property laws cannot provide protection. Therefore, specific laws should be enacted to directly protect local knowledge related to herbs, and intellectual property related laws should be amended to allow for greater protection of local knowledge regarding herbs.

References

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Published

2024-09-05

How to Cite

Kungsung, T. (2024). The Analysis of the Problems on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge Related to Herbs. Public Health Policy and Laws Journal, 10(3), 623–637. Retrieved from https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journal_law/article/view/274765

Issue

Section

Academic Article / Perspectives