ABSTRACT
The mint agriculture and processing industry of Thailand was introduced from 1970 to 1974, and its potential for the country was projected. By 1974, Applied Scientific Research Corporation of Thailand had an active research project concerning mint agriculture, mint oil extraction, menthol production, mint economics, and a nationwide promotion and extension program. Of the several varieties of mint grown in the world, the most valuable is peppermint. The essential oils of peppermint and spearmint, which are produced by distillation, are used as a flavoring in foods and candies. The Ming Sheng Chemical Company Ltd. of Taipei, Taiwan, whose Ice Berg brand of menthol had been distributed in Thailand by Hong Huat Company, was approached with an offer to join Thai Chemicals Company, Ltd. in a venture to produce menthol and mint oil products. In many parts of Thailand more attractive agricultural or industrial economic opportunities than growing mint may exist.
