Ratchaburi’s Damnoen Saduak Limes and Nam Dok Mai Mangoes Achieve Geographical Indication Protection

Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has conferred Geographical Indication (GI) status on two prominent agricultural products from Ratchaburi province: the Damnoen Saduak Lime and the Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai Mango. This certification provides legal intellectual property protection to local farmers, preserving traditional farming practices and increasing the commercial value of these regional specialties both domestically and internationally.

With these additions, Ratchaburi now boasts eight GI-certified products. The newly protected limes and mangoes join an exclusive list that includes Ratchaburi Dragon Jars, Bang Chang Chillies, Photharam Sweet Radish, Bang Phae Giant Freshwater Prawns, Ban Kha Pineapples, and Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconuts.

DIP Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum highlighted Ratchaburi’s unique geography and rich agricultural heritage as key factors underpinning its status as a hub for high-value produce. She emphasized that granting GI status is a significant milestone for the province’s identity products, safeguarding local heritage and unlocking long-term commercial opportunities for community-driven economic growth.

The Damnoen Saduak Lime is distinguished by its thin skin, juicy pulp, and intense fragrance without bitterness. It benefits from cultivation in the nutrient-rich, well-drained loamy soils of the Mae Klong River Basin. This lime variety, nurtured through generational knowledge, generates over $20.5 million (716 million baht) annually in economic value.

Similarly, the Ratchaburi Nam Dok Mai Mango, which includes both the Golden and No. 4 varieties, is prized for its smooth, fiberless flesh, distinct sweetness, and thin seed. Supported by ideal climatic conditions, local orchards maintain consistent year-round yields. The mango enjoys strong export demand in markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and the European Union, contributing more than $4.7 million (166 million baht) annually.

Together, the GI-certified products of Ratchaburi province generated over $244 million (8.539 billion baht) for the local economy in 2025.

The GI registration aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance the value of local agriculture by promoting brand recognition, ensuring quality, and protecting product origins. This approach aims to elevate traditional products to premium status, benefiting producers and consumers alike.

Auramon concluded, “Granting GI status safeguards local heritage, adds value through indigenous knowledge, and unlocks long-term commercial opportunities for community-led economic development.”