Beyond ‘Protection’: Community Rights and Traditional Knowledge Promotion in Thailand

This paper provides some reflection and comment on the protection and promotion of local practice and associated biodiversity-related traditional knowledge, starting with the need to recognise the rights of local and indigenous communities. Given the current forum clutter on genetic resources (GRs) and traditional knowledge (TK), and the protracted delay and political sensitivities on indigenous rights in international fora, there needs to be greater international support for national initiatives that provide means to promote and respect TK. Empowering TK holders to assert their own rights and a greater degree of control over their own livelihoods is one primary means of achieving this. This paper discusses these options through an analysis of legal developments, relevant policy and initiatives in Thailand.