BANGKOK — Severe flooding across southern Thailand has devastated the region’s shrimp industry, causing more than 1 billion baht (about $31 million) in damage and wiping out production in several provinces, the Thai Shrimp Association said Monday.
Association president Ekapoj Yodpinit said the floods have affected an estimated 10,000 shrimp farmers, with total losses reported in Songkhla, Phatthalung and Pattani. The southern region normally produces about 11% of Thailand’s annual output, or roughly 270,000 to 280,000 tons of shrimp.
Ekapoj said production losses alone are valued at about $15.5 million, but when accounting for destroyed equipment, washed-away feed and juvenile shrimp, and damaged ponds, the total impact exceeds $31 million. He urged the government to launch emergency relief measures so farmers can resume operations.
The association is calling for support including new equipment and production materials, zero-interest loans for one to two years, and assistance for farms transitioning to low-carbon production systems. A formal request will be submitted to the prime minister and the Ministry of Agriculture, Ekapoj said.
Ekapoj warned that without rapid rehabilitation, the flooding could have long-term effects on Thailand’s seafood supply chain and exports. Thailand has about 30,000 shrimp farmers nationwide.
Production and market outlook
Thailand’s shrimp output for 2025 is forecast at 270,000 tons, similar to last year. Producers have faced erratic weather, water-quality challenges and disease outbreaks, including white feces disease and white spot syndrome, prompting some farmers to harvest early. Flooding in the south further disrupted the sector.
Shrimp exports from January to October fell 6% in both volume and value from the same period last year amid a global economic slowdown that weighed on demand from Japan, China and the United States.
However, domestic consumption has grown, accounting for about 15% of total production. Prices were strong in the first half of the year but softened slightly later as heavy rains led to early harvesting.
Global context and equipment losses
Global shrimp production for 2025 is estimated at 5.22 million tons, up 4%, with Ecuador and China both increasing output. Thailand’s production is expected to remain stable at 270,000 tons.
Ekapoj said the southern floods damaged not only shrimp ponds but also water aerators, electric motors and other critical equipment. He urged the Ministry of Energy to allocate funds quickly to help farmers replace equipment so they can prepare for the next production cycle.
Push for national agenda status in 2026
The association wants the government to designate shrimp production as a national priority next year to help rebuild the sector and reach a long-term production target of 400,000 tons. Recommendations include boosting support for cold-storage operators, expediting free trade negotiations with the European Union, United Kingdom and South Korea, and upgrading farms to meet international sustainability and certification standards.
Ekapoj said 2026 could offer a major opportunity for Thai shrimp exporters, especially with higher anti-dumping and countervailing duties affecting key competitors like India. Thailand’s tariff rate in the U.S. market remains comparatively low, he said, giving Thai exporters a competitive edge.
“Thailand has been stuck in a 270,000-ton production trap for years because of persistent disease problems,” Ekapoj said. “Next year the global market will be wide open. We must be ready to produce shrimp to seize that opportunity.”
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