Phuket: The Department of Internal Trade is ramping up efforts to aid shrimp farmers by forming alliances across sectors to establish a "Thai Shrimp" brand and infuse resources into the tourism market.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wittayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, disclosed during a visit to Phuket province that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, prioritizes support for shrimp farmers. The department is advancing marketing channels and absorbing surplus production to counter the current downturn in the shrimp market.
Mr. Witiyakorn noted that the department has conducted field visits to oversee shrimp distribution through private sector networks and engaged in discussions with the Thai Shrimp Association and shrimp farming partners from Ranong, Phang Nga Bay, and Phuket provinces. Representatives from shrimp farmers, the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, and relevant agencies were present to devise urgent and focused assistance strategies.
Following discussions, the department has initiated immediate support measures, boosting marketing activities and stimulating Thai shrimp consumption to manage surplus and stabilize domestic prices. This includes expedited negotiations with Malaysia to reopen the market and normalize conditions.
Efforts also focus on balancing costs and prices to stabilize farmers' incomes. The Thai Shrimp Farmers Association plans to restructure production costs, emphasizing solar energy use in shrimp farms. The government will propose price support measures for shrimp farmers to the Shrimp Policy and Development Committee.
Public and private sectors aim to enhance the Thai agricultural product image by promoting the "Thai Shrimp" brand locally and internationally. Plans involve promotional activities to boost Thai shrimp consumption in tourist hotspots like Phuket and Krabi, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This includes promotion through airports, major tourist destinations, and expanding publicity via media channels and Thai Trade Centers overseas.
To swiftly absorb shrimp production, the department has coordinated with major retail chains such as Makro, Lotus's, Tops, GO Wholesale, Big C, and Super Cheap to increase purchases from southern production sources for nationwide distribution. This initiative aims to boost production absorption and generate income for shrimp farmers.
Mr. Witayakorn emphasized that the Department of Internal Trade will persist in integrating efforts across sectors to address marketing challenges and elevate the image and value of Thai shrimp, ensuring stable and sustainable incomes for farmers.