Phuket’s famous lobster to get GI status soon

According to the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), the renowned seven-colour lobster from Phuket province is scheduled to be recognized as one of Thailand’s geographical indication (GI) products.

Department director-general Vuttikrai Leewiraphan recently revealed that authorities have been to the southern island province to see the growth of the seven-colour lobster and gather data from local business owners. With a commitment to the government’s soft power policy and to further boost tourism and the local economy, the DIP aims to register the unusual crustacean, which has gained popularity as a delicacy among visitors visiting Phuket eateries, as the nation’s new GI product.

Leewiraphan said: “Phuket is Thailand’s top tourism province on the Andaman coast, drawing over 10 million tourists annually and bringing in over 330 billion baht for the local economy. Increasing the amount of GI products will help the province’s manufacturers, farmers, and fishers grow their businesses and draw more tourists.” 

The seven-colour lobster found in Phuket is distinguished by its huge head and body, thick, colourful shell and powerful antennae. Mature lobsters, weighing between 3.5 and 4.5 kg, can be eaten either raw or cooked.

Additionally, the department has previously registered two GI items from Phuket: the Phuket pearl and the Phuket pineapple. The registration procedure for Phuket garcinia, often referred to as “buffalo orange,” is also underway for the third possible GI product.