Khao Dawk Mali 105 (Thai Hom Mali)
Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105) is the premier Thai jasmine rice variety and the structural basis for Thai Hom Mali geographical-indication (GI) export. Cultivated principally in northeastern Thailand (Isan) including Surin, Roi Et, Yasothon, and Sisaket provinces. Yields the long-grain aromatic rice with characteristic pandan-like fragrance distinguishing Thai jasmine from Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Indian basmati substitutes. Anchor of Thailand's structural Hom Mali jasmine-rice export tier and ~USD 1.5-2.0B/year premium-rice export value.
Profile overview
Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105) is the premier Thai jasmine rice variety and the structural basis for Thai Hom Mali geographical-indication (GI) export. Cultivated principally in northeastern Thailand (Isan) including Surin, Roi Et, Yasothon, and Sisaket provinces. Yields the long-grain aromatic rice with characteristic pandan-like fragrance distinguishing Thai jasmine from Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Indian basmati substitutes. Anchor of Thailand's structural Hom Mali jasmine-rice export tier and ~USD 1.5-2.0B/year premium-rice export value.
Variety profile and GI framework
Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105)
Premier jasmine rice variety
KDML 105 is the dominant Thai Hom Mali variety, distinguished by long grain length (7.0-7.5 mm), characteristic pandan-like floral fragrance, and soft-sticky cooked texture. Officially registered as a Thai-origin variety by the Rice Department under Ministry of Agriculture, anchoring the GI export framework.
Hom Mali GI certification
Thai Hom Mali geographical indication
Thai Hom Mali rice holds a formal Geographical Indication (GI) registered with Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property. GI certification requires origin traceability to northeastern Thai provinces (Surin, Roi Et, Yasothon, Sisaket). Certified Hom Mali commands USD 100-200 per tonne premium over non-certified Thai jasmine rice in international markets.
RD6 and other Hom Mali sub-varieties
Supplementary fragrant-rice varieties
Beyond KDML 105, the Rice Department has developed RD6 (better drought tolerance, slightly lower fragrance score) and newer high-yielding fragrant varieties. RD6 is used by traders to extend Hom Mali supply volumes in blended exports, a practice that GI enforcement is designed to curtail.
Thai Hom Mali export vs ASEAN fragrant-rice competitors
Thai Hom Mali
Country of origin
Thailand (Isan)
Est. export price (USD/MT, 2023)
~900-1,100
Annual export volume (MT)
~1.5-2.0M
Cambodian jasmine (Phka Malis)
Country of origin
Cambodia
Est. export price (USD/MT, 2023)
~750-900
Annual export volume (MT)
~0.8-1.0M
Vietnamese jasmine (ST25)
Country of origin
Vietnam
Est. export price (USD/MT, 2023)
~700-850
Annual export volume (MT)
~1.0-1.5M
Indian Basmati
Country of origin
India
Est. export price (USD/MT, 2023)
~1,200-1,500
Annual export volume (MT)
~4.0-5.0M
| Rice variety | Country of origin | Est. export price (USD/MT, 2023) | Annual export volume (MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Hom Mali | Thailand (Isan) | ~900-1,100 | ~1.5-2.0M |
| Cambodian jasmine (Phka Malis) | Cambodia | ~750-900 | ~0.8-1.0M |
| Vietnamese jasmine (ST25) | Vietnam | ~700-850 | ~1.0-1.5M |
| Indian Basmati | India | ~1,200-1,500 | ~4.0-5.0M |
Watchpoints 2025-2026
GI enforcement
Fraudulent Hom Mali blending
Mixing non-KDML105 jasmine rice or even standard rice into Hom Mali export shipments is a persistent fraud risk that undermines the GI premium. The Rice Department and DFT are tightening origin-certificate verification, but enforcement at the mill and exporter level remains challenging.
Cambodian competition
Phka Malis market-share pressure
Cambodia's Phka Malis jasmine rice has won multiple World's Best Rice awards (2012-2022) and is positioning aggressively in the European and Chinese premium-jasmine segments. Thai Hom Mali must sustain quality leadership and brand awareness to defend the price premium.
Climate stress
Drought and KDML 105 yield decline
KDML 105 is sensitive to soil salinity and water stress. Prolonged dry spells in northeastern Thailand reduce fragrance intensity and grain quality. Breeding programs for drought-tolerant KDML 105 sub-lines are underway but have not yet been widely adopted by Isan farmers.
Related Market profiles
Peers, parents, partners, agencies, and other Rice Variety actors.
Competitor
Asia Golden Rice
Top private Thai rice exporter; Hom Mali, white, parboiled; TREA top-ranked.
Open Market profile →
Competitor
Ponglarp
Private Thai rice exporter; African, Middle East parboiled focus.
Open Market profile →
Competitor
CP Intertrade
CP Group's rice export arm; Royal Umbrella, Tra Chang retail brands; vertically integrated with 7-Eleven distribution.
Open Market profile →
Reports featuring this profile
Related Market profiles
competitor
Asia Golden Rice
Top private Thai rice exporter; Hom Mali, white, parboiled; TREA top-ranked.
competitor
Ponglarp
Private Thai rice exporter; African, Middle East parboiled focus.
competitor
CP Intertrade
CP Group's rice export arm; Royal Umbrella, Tra Chang retail brands; vertically integrated with 7-Eleven distribution.