Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has issued a legal warning to protect Lampang’s famous ‘Chicken Bowl’ (Charm Kai Lampang), reiterating that unauthorised use of its Geographical Indication (GI) name or national GI logo is illegal.
DIP Director General Auramon Supthaweethum that, following market reports of lookalike products, consumers are urged to purchase authentic, quality-controlled GI goods to support local artisans and safeguard northern Thailand's traditional heritage.
The production of Lampang Chicken Bowls dates back to 1957, following the discovery of high-quality kaolin clay in Jae Hom district in Lampang province.
Registered as a GI product in 2011, the tableware must strictly adhere to traditional geographic and production requirements, including using local kaolin clay mixed with black clay, feldspar and silica sand for durability.
Authentic pieces are molded using jiggering techniques, trimmed with knives and sponges, and hand-painted with iconic rooster, banana tree and peony motifs.
They undergo two separate firings, an initial bisque firing at 800°C and a final glaze firing at 1,200–1,250°C for 6 to 9 hours, resulting in a distinct natural off-white ceramic finish with long-lasting colours.
Currently, around 10 certified operators produce approximately 2,600 pieces annually.
Manufacturers who pass rigorous inspection receive a two-year license to display the Thai GI logo on their products, ensuring full traceability and high quality standards for consumers.
Addressing legal protections, Auramon warned that misusing the name ‘Lampang Chicken Bowl’ for unauthorised or non-compliant products carries a maximum fine on conviction of 200,000 baht under the Geographical Indications Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003).
Meanwhile, unauthorised use of the official Thai GI logo violates the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991), punishable by up to four years in prison, a 400,000 baht fine, or both on conviction.
The director general acknowledged the legal limitations regarding product design though.
Manufacturers who use similar patterns without using the protected GI name, logo, or false origin claims, do not violate the GI Act, as the law specifically protects geographic origin names rather than general aesthetic designs.
To safeguard the industry's future, the DIP is collaborating with local authorities to manage raw clay reserves, update GI regulations and assist more ceramics makers in obtaining certification.
Consumers suspecting non-compliant products or seeking advice are encouraged to contact provincial commerce offices or the 1368 DIP hotline.
