Bangkok: The Department of Internal Trade is advancing measures to connect markets and distribute shrimp produce in a bid to stabilize prices and mitigate the impact on farmers. This initiative comes in response to Malaysian import restrictions affecting Thai shrimp exports and is accompanied by a campaign to promote domestic shrimp consumption. Recently, the Agricultural Cooperative Federation of Thailand (ACFT) secured funding to expand the shrimp purchasing program and support farmers. Cooperation has also been secured from the Thai Frozen Food Association to purchase quality shrimp for processing plants. Additionally, the government is negotiating with Malaysia to resolve trade barriers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witiyakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, stated that the department is closely monitoring the shrimp situation following the impact on Thai shrimp exports to Malaysia. Previously, export volumes ranged from 400-500 tons per month, prompting the department to urgently implement measures to manage the domestic market, stabilize prices, and mitigate the impact on shrimp farmers.
The Department of Internal Trade, in collaboration with the Southern Thailand Shrimp Farmers Association, has launched a continuous shrimp consumption campaign until September. This initiative involves connecting sales through modern retail outlets to absorb excess supply, expand distribution channels, and maintain price levels.
Recently, funding from the Agricultural Cooperative Fund was received to implement a project to connect and distribute domestic shrimp production. This involves purchasing shrimp from production sources and distributing them through various sales channels to absorb surplus production and stabilize prices for farmers.
Furthermore, the Thai Frozen Food Association announced its intention to purchase shrimp that meet the Department of Fisheries' standards for processing plants, thereby expanding market channels and facilitating the distribution of produce from the area.
Mr. Jirawut Suwannach, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, recently visited Surat Thani Province with the Provincial Commerce Office to monitor the shrimp production and price situation. Discussions were held with the Shrimp Farmers' Association, distributors, and shrimp farmers to determine market linkage measures tailored to the local situation. The monitoring revealed that shrimp production and prices are beginning to balance out, with continuous improvements in prices, reflecting the tangible results of market linkage and production management measures.
Mr. Witiyakorn emphasized that the Department of Internal Trade will continue to closely monitor the situation and integrate cooperation with all sectors, including market linkages, consumption campaigns, support for product distribution, and collaboration with the private sector. These efforts aim to maintain shrimp price stability and generate fair income for farmers while the government continues negotiations with Malaysia to resolve trade barriers and promote the smooth resumption of seafood trade between the two countries.