Politics
Thai Shrimp Industry Seeks Government Intervention to Regain Global Standing
The Thai Shrimp Association has petitioned government ministers to address chronic disease outbreaks and rising production costs to restore Thailand's position as a top global exporter.
Representatives from the Thai Shrimp Association and the Alliance of Thai Shrimp Farmers recently met with Deputy Prime Minister Yoschanan Wongsawad and Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Songkhla campus. The meeting, held ahead of the 1/2026 mobile cabinet session, highlighted a decade of challenges facing the industry.
According to the association, Thailand has fallen from its former status as the world’s leading shrimp exporter to seventh place, with annual production currently stagnating between 270,000 and 280,000 tons. The primary obstacles identified are persistent disease outbreaks, which have significantly increased farming costs and reduced overall output. The association is urging the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to apply scientific research and technological advancements to improve shrimp breeding and feed quality.
For residents and visitors, this development is significant as it highlights potential shifts in the local agricultural economy and food supply chain. While the government has been formally presented with these concerns, it remains to be confirmed what specific policy measures or funding will be allocated to address these production hurdles. The industry hopes that systematic intervention will stabilize the market and improve the competitiveness of Thai shrimp on the international stage.