Phuket: The Ministry of Commerce is actively promoting the "Thai Shrimp" brand to create added value and expand market opportunities both domestically and internationally. The Department of Internal Trade is spearheading this initiative to enhance the brand's image, increase its value, and extend its market reach. This effort is also focused on stimulating domestic consumption and expanding distribution channels to assist shrimp farmers affected by the market slowdown.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wittayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, emphasized the importance placed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, on supporting shrimp farmers. She has instructed the Department of Internal Trade to accelerate the expansion of marketing channels and create added value for Thai shrimp products in the long term. During discussions with the Thai Shrimp Association and various stakeholders from Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket, there was a consensus to jointly promote the "Thai Shrimp" brand domestically and internationally to enhance its image and raise awareness of the quality of Thai shrimp globally.
The action plan includes public relations activities aimed at promoting the consumption of Thai shrimp in tourist hotspots like Phuket and Krabi, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The promotion will occur through airports, major tourist attractions, and various media channels, with market expansion facilitated by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DIT). The Department of Internal Trade will also undertake marketing activities to stimulate consumption and stabilize shrimp prices. Urgent negotiations with Malaysia are underway to restore normal import levels of Thai shrimp. Additionally, a plan to restructure production costs is in motion, promoting solar energy use in shrimp farms and preparing a price support proposal for the Shrimp Policy and Development Committee.
Mr. Wittayakorn stated that to manage surplus production in the short term, the department has coordinated with major retailers and wholesalers to increase purchases of Thai shrimp from southern producers and distribute it nationwide. This initiative aims to significantly boost shrimp farmers' incomes. "Creating a Thai shrimp brand, expanding markets, and increasing consumption will elevate the value of Thai products, create stable income for farmers, and enhance the competitiveness of Thai shrimp in the global market," Mr. Wittayakorn added.