As a result of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, global oil prices remain high, leading to a critical situation in Thailand’s fishing industry valued at billions of dollars. Local Thai fishermen and tourism operators issued warnings on Thursday (March 26) that without government intervention, both fishing and tourist boats could come to a complete halt within days.
In Samut Sakhon, a coastal province in Thailand with the country’s largest fish port, Jumpol Kanawaree, chairman of the local Fishmongers Association, stated that over half of the trawl fishing boats in the area are already parked at shore, and even the remaining ones might stop operation in the coming days.
He expressed, “After April 1, the market might face a crisis where there’s no fish to sell because the fishermen can no longer afford the living expenses of themselves and their families. They won’t be able to sustain their livelihoods.”
Jumpol pointed out that the fish market in Samut Sakhon gathers around 800 tons of fish catch daily from 22 coastal areas. He emphasized that the current fuel crisis is the most severe in decades, surpassing even the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.
Official data shows that in 2024, Thailand exported seafood products worth as much as $7 billion to countries including the United States, Japan, and China.
While the Thai Ministry of Fisheries has not responded yet, the Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, mentioned on Wednesday (March 25) that the government is preparing an assistance plan for fishermen. This plan includes providing B20 biodiesel and palm oil to prevent further skyrocketing fuel prices.
It is reported that Thailand’s current oil reserves for emergencies can sustain about 100 days. With government subsidies ending, the price of diesel in Thailand increased from 29.94 Thai Baht per liter (approximately $0.91) in February to 38.94 Thai Baht (approximately $1.19) on Thursday, marking an increase of 9 Thai Baht (approximately $0.27).
Local fisherman Boonchoo Lonluy confessed to Reuters that if diesel prices surpass 40 Thai Baht per liter, going out to sea for fishing would become unprofitable. Some boats have already started adjusting their routes to save fuel. He lamented that in their efforts to save fuel, they have to slow down the speed of their boats, resulting in a decline in catch. If this continues, they won’t be able to survive.
Another local fisherman, Prariyes Maneesumphan, stated that if they are financially burdened by the high oil prices, they will have no choice but to leave their boats parked at the port.
Apart from the fishing industry, the renowned tourism destination of Bang Saray in Chon Buri province, Thailand, known for its tourism, has also been impacted. Many tourist and fishing boats are currently docked at the pier, with services suspended.
Representative of the tourism and deep-sea fishing boat operators, Somprasong Bunthamchuai, told the Thai media outlet “Khaosod” that the sharp rise in oil prices has dealt a heavy blow, especially affecting small operators with limited funds.
He revealed that even if they operate at a loss, they must go out to sea today because their customers have already arrived. If oil prices continue to rise, operators will have to gradually refund deposits and may have to temporarily close due to the inability to bear the costs.
With fuel costs exceeding income, more and more operators are choosing to keep their boats docked at the ports and halt operations. This oil price crisis is likely to have severe cascading effects on Thailand’s boat tourism, fishing industry supply chain, and the livelihoods of local residents.