Thailand registers Irish whiskey as GI
21 January 2026
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property, under the Ministry of Commerce, has officially registered Irish whiskey as a geographical indication (GI), granting the renowned spirit legal protection in the country.
Irish whiskey, which originates from the Republic of Ireland, becomes the 25th foreign product – and the 11th from the European Union – to receive GI recognition in Thailand.
The registration is intended to strengthen consumer trust by assuring product authenticity, quality standards and verified origin. It also underscores the long-standing cooperation between Thailand and the European Union in the area of intellectual property protection.
Produced on the island of Ireland, Irish whiskey is distinguished by production methods shaped by centuries of local tradition, expertise and climate. Its unique characteristics are closely linked to its place of origin, from the use of locally sourced grains to time-honoured distillation and maturation processes.
According to the department, extending GI protection to EU products benefits consumers by safeguarding product integrity in the domestic market. The initiative also serves as a strategic policy tool to enhance trade credibility, strengthen Thailand’s international standing, and reinforce its reputation as a country with a robust and globally aligned GI protection system.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
