Thai Shrimp Industry Faces 20 Billion Baht Flood Damage
Severe flooding has caused significant losses to Thailand's shrimp farming sector, prompting calls for urgent government financial assistance.
According to reports from the Thai Eastern Shrimp Association and the Federation of Thai Aquaculture, recent flooding has caused estimated damages between 16.5 and 22 billion baht. The Department of Fisheries has independently assessed the losses at approximately 17.5 billion baht, affecting 18,774 farmers and over 140,092 rai of aquaculture land.
The eastern region, which accounts for 20% of the nation's shrimp production, has been hit particularly hard, with provinces including Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Chonburi, Rayong, and Samut Prakan reporting significant impacts. Beyond the immediate loss of livestock, farmers are struggling with damaged infrastructure, compromised water quality, and increased risks of disease outbreaks such as EMS and white spot disease. These challenges are compounded by existing export pressures, including recent import restrictions from Malaysia.
For residents and those involved in the local supply chain, this crisis may lead to fluctuations in shrimp prices and availability. Farmers are currently urging the government to expedite compensation payments within 15 to 30 days and to relax documentation requirements to facilitate faster recovery. While the Department of Fisheries has indicated that some relief funds remain available, the exact timeline for the distribution of these funds and the long-term impact on the industry's export capacity remain to be confirmed.
