Despite its success as a leading fish product exporter, the Thai fisheries industry faces a number of difficulties. The sustainability of the sector is threatened by overfishing, IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing, and other environmental issues. Cases of IUU fishing, human trafficking, and forced labor in Thailand led the
to give out a so-called yellow card in 2015, considering blocking all fishery product imports from Thailand to the EU. Since then, the sector has seen a major transition as a result of the adoption of innovative technologies and environmentally friendly techniques in aquaculture farming. Shrimp farming, in particular, which focuses on ecologically friendly and effective practices, has grown in popularity. Additionally, Thailand's efforts to stop illegal fishing and forced labor in fisheries improved international relationships. Consequently,
increased after plunging in 2015.
The importance of fisheries in Thailand
The fishing industry plays a crucial role in
Thailand’s agriculture and food supply. Fish from Thailand's inshore and offshore waters has traditionally been a major source of protein for the population. The country is bordered by two seas: the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west. With over seven thousand kilometers of coastline and about 300,000 square kilometers of exclusive economic zone, Thailand has become a leading producer of fish.
The value of fish landings in the Gulf of Thailand significantly surpasses that in the Andaman Sea. Therefore,
the share of fish landings in Thailand amounted to more than 75 percent at ports located in the Gulf of Thailand in 2022, with the province of Chumphon contributing the most. This disparity can be attributed to the Gulf's abundance of coastal waters and diverse marine life, supporting a higher fish yield.
International trade
Thailand is a prominent seafood exporter. It has a significant market presence abroad thanks to its wide variety of marine resources, which include shrimp, squid, tuna, and other kinds of fish. High productivity and efficiency in the Thai fishing sector have been key factors in the growth of the country's export-based economy.
Canned tuna, sardines, and canned seafood like prawns and squid are major exports. In 2022, the
leading importing countries of Thai fish and seafood were China, USA, and Italy, demonstrating the industry’s wide international market penetration. That same year, the total
export value of chilled and frozen fish products from Thailand amounted to nearly 17 billion Thai baht.
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