Thailand Launches 25 Million Baht Plan to Revive Shrimp Industry
Thailand is launching a 25-million-baht program to strengthen its shrimp industry, addressing export challenges including Malaysia's temporary import suspension while boosting farmer support and domestic consumption.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokhram chaired the first 2025 meeting of the marine shrimp industry management committee at the Department of Fisheries to establish guidelines for strengthening Thailand's shrimp sector throughout the value chain. The meeting brought together government officials, private sector representatives, and shrimp farmers from across the country to develop sustainable, competitive strategies.
The committee reviewed progress on resolving Malaysia's temporary shrimp import suspension, with the Department of Fisheries in ongoing talks with Malaysian counterparts. Following discussions between the agriculture ministers of both nations, they agreed to expedite evaluation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to normalize shrimp trade. The department was tasked with addressing remaining operational obstacles and implementing a national action plan for marine shrimp development through 2570 (2027).
The initiative emphasizes farmer knowledge transfer, shrimp breed development, production efficiency improvements, and adoption of appropriate farming technology. The government also approved a 25-million-baht program from the farmer assistance fund to link markets, distribute surplus production, and stimulate domestic consumption, offsetting export slowdown and Malaysia's import restrictions. Deputy Minister Watcharapol stressed that sustainable industry growth requires coordinated support from government, private business, and farmers, combining market development with enhanced production capacity and competitiveness.
