July 2, 2024

Fall in Thailand's shrimp production sparks prime minister's call for investigation

Thailand now finds itself importing shrimp from Ecuador, prompting Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to direct the Department of Fisheries, under the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to investigate the reasons behind the decline of domestic shrimp production.

Thailand previously produced and exported 600,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, but currently produces only 200,000 tonnes. This drop necessitated the importation of shrimp, primarily from Ecuador, leading to a drop in Thai shrimp prices and severe financial hardship for local shrimp farmers.

Chai Wacharong, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, emphasised that the Department of Fisheries was to present its findings and suggest solutions at the next Cabinet meeting, which was scheduled on June 25. One of the aims of the investigation is to develop strategic measures to revive the shrimp production industry.

Factors for the decline in shrimp output have been linked to environmental changes, disease outbreaks, and economic policies that have affected local production.

In a separate statement, a representative from the local shrimp farming community expressed hope that the government's intervention would bring much-needed relief, KhaoSod reported.

"We have been facing unprecedented challenges," the statement said. "The import of shrimp from Ecuador has particularly hit us hard. We are hopeful that the government's timely action will help us recover and sustain our livelihoods."

- Thaiger