Thailand is prepared to raise complaints at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Asean forums over Malaysia’s temporary suspension of imports of Thai shrimp if bilateral negotiations fail to resolve the issue, a government spokesperson said.
Ratchada Thanadirek said the Commerce Ministry had instructed its office in Kuala Lumpur to closely monitor developments following the suspension, which took effect on June 1.
Malaysia’s move forms part of tighter controls on fishery products imported from Thailand. The affected species are Penaeus esculentus (brown tiger prawn), Fenneropenaeus merguiensis (banana prawn), Penaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp), Penaeus monodon (giant tiger prawn), and Penaeus stylirostris (blue shrimp).
Thailand seeks bilateral solution
Ratchada said the Thai government remains committed to resolving the matter through bilateral discussions with Malaysia.
“Should the issue remain unresolved, Thailand is prepared to elevate the matter to the WTO and Asean platforms,” she said in a statement on Sunday.
The warning comes as Thai authorities intensify efforts to minimise the impact of the suspension on shrimp farmers and exporters.
Government moves to protect shrimp farmers
Ratchada said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had expressed concern over the potential impact on shrimp farmers, particularly those in southern Thailand.
He has instructed relevant agencies to prevent a decline in farm-gate prices while identifying alternative export destinations for affected producers.
According to Ratchada, the government is working to ensure that the temporary trade disruption does not significantly affect the livelihoods of farmers and businesses linked to the shrimp industry.
Measures introduced to offset export losses
To cushion the impact, the Commerce Ministry has introduced 13 urgent measures aimed at absorbing about 400 tonnes of shrimp output each month, equivalent to the average volume of Thai shrimp exports to Malaysia, valued at approximately 44 million baht (US$1.35 million) monthly.
The measures include expanding exports to China through trade promotion activities, online business-matching programmes and participation in major international food exhibitions.
Authorities are also seeking to boost domestic shrimp consumption as part of broader efforts to support the industry while the trade issue remains unresolved.
