Khao Hom Mali

Thung Kual Rong -Hai  
: Protected Geographical

Indication Product

Khao Hom Mali Thung Kual Rong - Hai  
: Protected Geographical Indication Product
Khao Hom Mali Thung  Kula Rong-Hai rice 
is proud to be the first Thai product recognized
in the European Union’s system of Protected 
Geographical Indication (PGI). 
This Thai jasmine rice, it is produced using 
historic and traditional methods by farmers in 
the northeast of Thailand where the environment, 
traditional rice variety and cultivation practices
produce a unique jasmine rice. 

Khao Hom Mali Thung  Kula Rong-Hai rice is proud to be the first Thai product recognized in the European Union’s system 
of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This Thai jasmine rice, it is produced using historic and traditional methods 
by farmers in the northeast of Thailand where the environment, traditional rice variety and cultivation practices produce 
a unique jasmine rice. In Thailand, as well as by rice connoisseurs around the world, this highly aromatic rice is well known 
for its nice smell of pandamas leaf and its superior flavor and quality. The Geographical Indication status  has been granted 
due to these exclusive characteristics, its link to the natural environment and the wisdom of the local farmers of 
Thung Kula Rong - Hai. The Khao Hom Mali Thung  Kula Rong - Hai continues to enhance rural communities’ development, 
promotes biodiversity and protects the local environment, native tradition and spirit. 

The way it produces

Khao Hom Mail Thung Kula Rong -Hai is produced by the principle of good agricultural practice, following the right 
practicing on safe and uniformity strategy. To encourage farmers practice on integrating local wisdom, sharing with natural
resource and protect environmental. Every single of bags is verified by the traceability system to ensure production 
responsibility as well as participatory of mankind in the region. Khao Hom Mali Thung  Kula Rong – Hai can be assured  
for every bags from starting period of planting up to the last moment of packing with the super quality. 

How it comes for Local Wisdom

Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong –Hai is planed in the area of Thung Kula Rong – Hai which locates as 2.1 million rais or
0.336 million ha, extending across province of north – east of Thailand.  It is produced in integration of special living activities, 
local wisdom, preserve of natural and human factors. Human knowledge plays a key role in producing of this rice, from 
selecting seeds to following suitable cultivation methods, construction bunds and segmentation the paddy field into 
sections to retain sufficient water for the rice to grow.

Casual link between 
the Geographical Indication

Thung Kula Rong – Hai is derived from the legendary “Kula merchants”. According to the legend, because of the dryweather in the dry season, a group of native people, called Kula who were merchants journeyed across this large area plain to sell their wares. They travelled until they were exhausted,

but were still unable to reach the other side. They then felt like crying (Rong – Hai in Thai), hence the name “Thung Kula Rong – Hai” (plain of the crying Kula). Cultivation of Hom Mali Rice in Thung Kula Rong – Hai began after the government improved the Hom Mail rice  variety and certified in 1959 naming it “Khao Dawk Mali 105”. Cultivation became more widerspread in 1979 when the rice seeds exchange project called for planting glutinous rice in Thung Kula Rong – Hai area. Farmers were advised to change the new rice seed every three years to maintain seed purity.

Benefits of The GI Product

Encourage Local economics 
by increase farmers income 

Enhancing of local farmers 
organization strengthen to
Develop active roles   

Producer & Consumer Protection   
In term of Product Quality

 Assure product quality
 to comply standard 

Encourage Local Economics : 
Small and Medium Enterpris

Preserve local Wisdom V.S  
Utilization for households income

Value adding to Product by showing
Local culture & traditional
in geographical area