Thai Shrimp Farmers Face Billion-Baht Flood Losses, Seek Aid
Thai shrimp farmers report flood damages worth up to 22 billion baht across the eastern region, affecting nearly 19,000 producers and over 140,000 rai of farms. They are urging the government to raise compensation limits, cut red tape, and release aid within weeks to avoid further losses from disease and import bans. The Fisheries Department notes a remaining relief budget of 561.46 million baht under existing schemes.
Thai shrimp industry reels as floods cause damages estimated at 20 billion baht, urging the government to raise compensation ceilings. According to reports from the Thai Eastern Shrimp Association and the Thai Aquaculture Federation, the association assessed flood-related losses at 16.5–22 billion baht, while the Fisheries Department put the damage at 17.503 billion baht. Currently, 18,774 farmers have been affected and over 140,092 rai of farming area damaged. The eastern region, which produces about 20% of the country's shrimp, has been hit hardest, especially Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Chonburi, Rayong, and Samut Prakan provinces. Damage extends beyond dead or escaped shrimp to include electrical systems, water quality, and farming equipment needing restoration. Flooding also raises the risk of shrimp diseases such as EMS, red-body white-spot, and white feces, contributing to ongoing declines in Thai shrimp output over recent years. Meanwhile, Malaysia's ban on certain Thai shrimp imports adds pressure on prices and farmers' incomes. Farmers are calling for the government to relax relief criteria, reduce documentation and registration requirements, and expand the compensation area ceiling. They also urge swift approval of aid within 15–30 days to provide working capital for farm recovery. Long‑term proposals include upgrading disease prevention systems, improving water management, and diversifying export markets to lessen the industry's future vulnerability. The Fisheries Department said it has a remaining relief budget of 561.46 million baht, with farmers required to follow 2026 measures setting three aid rates: 12,350 baht per rai for freshwater prawn, marine shrimp, or sea mollusk farming (up to five rai per household); 4,890 baht per rai for fish and other aquatic animals in earthen ponds, rice fields, or garden ditches (up to five rai per household); and 390 baht per square meter for cage or cement‑tank farming (up to 80 square meters per household).
