Bangkok: The Thai Shrimp Association is calling on the Thai government to engage in direct negotiations with Malaysia to address the suspension of Thai shrimp imports, a situation that threatens to significantly impact the Thai shrimp industry. The urgency for government-to-government dialogue has been emphasized following the indefinite postponement of a previously scheduled meeting on June 8.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekaphon Yodpinit, President of the Thai Shrimp Association, has expressed concerns over the ongoing dispute, which he argues is too extensive to be managed solely through departmental negotiations. He highlighted the substantial daily damage, estimating that the disruption could affect up to 100 tons of shrimp per day, thus necessitating immediate intervention at the governmental level.
Mr. Ekaphon explained that the Thai Shrimp Association has formally requested Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to spearhead the negotiations, underscoring the trade dispute's broad and significant repercussions. He stressed that the impasse is not merely an operational issue but a bilateral concern requiring direct discussions between the Thai and Malaysian governments.
Despite Malaysia's request to delay talks between the fisheries agencies of both countries, Mr. Ekaphon emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the farmers are suffering with each passing day as they are unable to distribute their shrimp normally. The suspension, he noted, affects not just the shrimp intended for Malaysia but could potentially depress prices across the Thai market if left unresolved.
The impact of the dispute is already being felt, with declining shrimp prices, slowed product purchases, and cold storage facilities receiving fewer orders from major markets like the United States and Japan. Meanwhile, Thai shrimp farmers continue to shoulder the costs of feed, electricity, and pond maintenance without the usual revenue from exports.
The root of the dispute lies in Malaysia's concerns over Thailand's inspection measures for imported sea bass, particularly the residue analysis process, which Malaysian authorities view as a trade barrier. Nonetheless, Mr. Ekaphon insists on the importance of maintaining food safety standards while advocating for negotiations to balance trade facilitation with consumer protection.
Although the Ministry of Commerce has introduced measures to support the shrimp industry by finding new export markets and promoting domestic consumption, Mr. Ekaphon believes these efforts fall short. He argues that the key solution lies in expediting negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, warning that prolonged inaction could have widespread repercussions for the entire Thai shrimp industry.