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Bangkok Post March 18 1999 New laws to protect Thai herbs sought by Japan Anchalee Kongrut Two herbs believed to have a high hormone content and which are much sought after by Japan, will become protected species, according to a regulation proposed on Tuesday. A committee on plant variety under the Agriculture Ministry agreed to propose the regulation for Minister Pongpol Adireksarn's approval in order to protect kwaao khrua and thong khrua from extinction as a result of over-exporting and smuggling. The two herbs are believed to have medicinal properties to improve energy, complexion, sexual drive and are also used in cosmetics including those claiming to enlarge women's bustline. Backing its proposal, the panel said kwaao khrua (Pueraria candollei) and thong khrua (Butea superba) could become extinct in five years as huge demand from Japan had led to the herbs in natural forests being over-harvested. The herbs are endemic species found in forests in the North, Northeast and Central Plains. Apichai Karoonyavanich, deputy permanent secretary for agriculture who heads the panel, said the regulation should be promulgated not later than next month. "After the regulation takes effect, export of fresh kwaao khrua will be prohibited," he said. But villagers would be allowed to pick the herb for personal use, he said. However, it is doubtful the regulation would be effective against kwaao khrua exports since the herb is normally exported in dried, processed or capsule form. Also, sales are usually made through cross-border smuggling rather than normal channels. But Wichai Cherdchewasart, a Chulalongkorn University lecturer who has been pushing for official protection of these species, believes the regulation would be a positive first step. Mr Wichai expected the committee to ask the Forestry Department to list the herbs as "rare forest species". The listing means department permission will be required before any collection of the plants from any forests can be done. Also, export of the plants in any form will be prohibited. "Both legal mechanisms would make it harder to harvest the herbs from forests," he said. Mr Wichai predicted that once the regulation was in place, the market prices of these herbs would rise and lead to more commercial farming. Comments to: Webmaster |
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