Bangkok: Thailand is rushing to prepare information to clarify the shrimp issue, while Malaysia has not yet set a date for new negotiations. The Department of Fisheries is urgently preparing information to clarify inquiries from Malaysian authorities after discussions regarding the suspension of imports of five types of Thai shrimp were postponed indefinitely. The department is also moving forward with measures to mitigate the impact on shrimp farmers, including promoting domestic consumption, expanding alternative markets, and reducing production costs.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thitiporn Hlaoprasert, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, stated that the department is currently preparing information to respond to a questionnaire from Malaysian authorities following Malaysia's announcement of a suspension of imports of five types of shrimp from Thailand: whiteleg shrimp, black tiger shrimp, white shrimp, brown shrimp, and blue shrimp, effective June 1, 2026. Recently, Malaysia has informed Thailand of the postponement of their scheduled discussions, originally set for June 8, 2026, and a new date has not yet been set.
The Director-General of the Department of Fisheries stated that the department will expedite measures simultaneously, encompassing both negotiations and domestic mitigation efforts. This includes coordinating with relevant agencies to promote domestic shrimp consumption, accommodating surplus production resulting from export restrictions, and pushing for market expansion and increased sales channels to compensate for affected markets.
Furthermore, the Department of Fisheries is preparing to submit proposals from the Thai shrimp farmers' network to relevant committees and working groups for consideration. This follows farmers' requests for the government to urgently manage shrimp production by at least 10,000 tons within three months, providing support or compensation for price differences of at least 20 baht per kilogram, and coordinating with the Thai Frozen Food Association to help absorb the surplus and maintain farmers' liquidity in the short term.
Ms. Thitiporn stated that the government prioritizes supporting farmers and entrepreneurs in the Thai shrimp industry supply chain. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and related agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide assistance. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Watcharapol Khaokham, has ordered the Department of Fisheries to urgently hold discussions with farmers and stakeholders to determine ways to mitigate the impact and maintain the stability of the Thai shrimp industry's production and marketing.
Regarding measures to reduce production costs, the Department of Fisheries is continuing with the "Project to Upgrade High-Value Agricultural Products: Innovation Activities to Increase Efficiency in Precision Aquaculture, Fiscal Year 2026" or Innovation Sandbox, to support the use of technology to reduce costs and increase production efficiency. This also includes the "Project to Reduce Marine Shrimp Production Costs to Drive Domestic Consumption through Environmentally Friendly Production, Fiscal Year 2026" or KCG.69, which is expected to open for farmer applications this June.
'The Department of Fisheries will expedite integrated cooperation with all relevant agencies, both domestic and international, to implement appropriate measures, maintain the stability of the Thai shrimp industry, build market confidence, and fully protect the interests of Thai shrimp farmers,' Ms. Thitiporn said.