Fisheries in Thailand - statistics & facts

Despite its success as a leading fish product exporter, the Thai fisheries industry faces a number of difficulties. The sustainability of the sector is threatened by overfishing, IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing, and other environmental issues. Cases of IUU fishing, human trafficking, and forced labor in Thailand led the European Union to give out a so-called yellow card in 2015, considering blocking all fishery product imports from Thailand to the EU. Since then, the sector has seen a major transition as a result of the adoption of innovative technologies and environmentally friendly techniques in aquaculture farming. Shrimp farming, in particular, which focuses on ecologically friendly and effective practices, has grown in popularity. Additionally, Thailand's efforts to stop illegal fishing and forced labor in fisheries improved international relationships. Consequently, the producer price index for fishery products in Thailand increased after plunging in 2015.

The importance of fisheries in Thailand

The fishing industry plays a crucial role in Thailand’s agriculture and food supply. Fish from Thailand's inshore and offshore waters has traditionally been a major source of protein for the population. The country is bordered by two seas: the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west. With over seven thousand kilometers of coastline and about 300,000 square kilometers of exclusive economic zone, Thailand has become a leading producer of fish. The value of fish landings in the Gulf of Thailand significantly surpasses that in the Andaman Sea. Therefore, the share of fish landings in Thailand amounted to more than 75 percent at ports located in the Gulf of Thailand in 2022, with the province of Chumphon contributing the most. This disparity can be attributed to the Gulf's abundance of coastal waters and diverse marine life, supporting a higher fish yield.

International trade

Thailand is a prominent seafood exporter. It has a significant market presence abroad thanks to its wide variety of marine resources, which include shrimp, squid, tuna, and other kinds of fish. High productivity and efficiency in the Thai fishing sector have been key factors in the growth of the country's export-based economy. Canned tuna, sardines, and canned seafood like prawns and squid are major exports. In 2022, the leading importing countries of Thai fish and seafood were China, USA, and Italy, demonstrating the industry’s wide international market penetration. That same year, the total export value of chilled and frozen fish products from Thailand amounted to nearly 17 billion Thai baht.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 20, 2023

Key insights

Revenue of the fish and seafood industry in Thailand
7.95bn USD
Production volume of aquatic animals in Thailand
2.55m mt
Forecasted GDP from fishery segment in Thailand in 2023
1.5%
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Revenue of the fish and seafood industry in Thailand from 2018 to 2022 with a forecast to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Revenue of the fish and seafood industry Thailand 2018-2028

Breakdown of fisheries production in Thailand in 2022, by type

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Breakdown of fisheries production in Thailand 2022, by type

Export value of fish products from Thailand from 2011 to 2023 (in billion Thai baht)

Fish & Meat

Export value of fish products Thailand 2011-2023

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