On Tuesday, 8 March 2022, the Center for Academic Services, Walailak University, the Department of Intellectual Property, and the Ministry of Commerce organize a workshop to advise on the GI quality management and controls of Khao Khiriwong mangosteen products at the community hall, Lan Saka District, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

          The opening ceremony was presided by Mr. Weerasak Buasri, Mayor of Lan Saka; followed by a welcoming speech delivered by Assistant Professor Doctor Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of the Center for Academic Services; then followed by the knowledge transfer on Geographical Indications (GI), the GI quality management and controls of Khao Khiriwong mangosteen products and the registration process of GIs under the trademark system by the officer of the Department of Intellectual Property and concluded by the clarification of the operational plan and guidelines for permitting the use of the Geographical Indication (GI) logo and tagline by Assistant Professor Doctor Rungrawee Jitpakdee, Director of Botanic Park, Walailak University. There were more than 60 attendees participating in the workshop, e.g., supply distributors, agriculturists, and representatives from private and public sectors.

          The momentous event was granted co-operation from various organizations in Nakhon Si Thammarat such as the Office of Provincial Commercial Affair Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Agricultural Extension Office, etc. In addition, the representatives from the organizations mentioned above have been playing a pivotal role in sharing information, strengthening community economic development, and enhancing Khao Khiriwong mangosteen’s product quality to international standards.

           In the future, the agriculturists and supply distributors who are interested in GI registration applications can request a permit to use the Geographical Indication (GI) logo and tagline. Moreover, Walailak University shall be facilitating on the matters of recommendations on conditions of application submission and efficient development of Khao Khiriwong mangosteen farms. It is estimated that there will be more than 150 agriculturists requesting the permit in the fiscal year of 2022. This could support occupations and means of earning a living for the farmers and attract tourists, who provide a substantial contribution to the local economy.