The government is accelerating efforts to open alternative markets for Thai shrimp after Malaysia suspended imports of five species, with authorities seeking to prevent a decline in farm-gate prices and cushion the impact on farmers.
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Sunday the Commerce and Agriculture ministries had expedited measures to address impacts of the suspension, which took effect last week.
She said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed concern over the hardship faced by shrimp farmers, particularly in the South, as the industry supports a broad supply chain involving collectors, processing plants, exporters and a large workforce.
At the cabinet meeting last Tuesday, the ministries were told to negotiate with Malaysian authorities while preparing measures to absorb output and prevent a drop in farm-gate shrimp prices.
Ms Rachada said the Commerce Ministry has introduced 13 urgent measures aimed at absorbing around 400 tonnes of shrimp a month -- close to Thailand's average monthly exports to Malaysia of 300–400 tonnes, valued at roughly 44 million baht.
Short-term measures focus on expanding domestic and export markets. The Department of International Trade Promotion will intensify market expansion activities in China through various promotional events.
Domestically, the Department of Internal Trade will boost consumption through a promotional event in Phuket, coordinate with retailers in tourist areas to establish purchasing points in targeted provinces, link exporters and processors directly with producers, and use the Thais Help Thais Plus and Blue Flag projects to help distribute products.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said in a Facebook post on Saturday the government would help minimise the immediate impact while pursuing long-term solutions.
Ms Suphajee said Malaysia's suspension was imposed abruptly, with Thailand informed on May 28 and the measure taking effect just days later, leaving limited time to prepare a response.
Ms Suphajee said the Commerce Ministry had instructed both domestic and overseas units to seek alternative markets for affected farmers and businesses, while the Office of Commercial Affairs in Kuala Lumpur had been tasked with closely monitoring developments.
She added Thailand was prepared to raise the matter at the WTO and Asean if necessary, vowing to pursue all available channels to reduce the impact on farmers.
