Thailand lifts indefinite suspension of imports of seafood from Myanmar following high-level talks

Following talks between the Thai Ambassador to Myanmar and the Taninthayi Region Fisheries Association, it was reported that the temporary ban on imports of ten types of seafood into Thailand has been lifted indefinitely.

Thailand had previously announced a temporary suspension of imports of ten types of seafood from Myanmar from July to December 31, the deputy district governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan said.

Following this announcement, the Thai Ambassador to Myanmar, who was in Myeik, met with the Chairman, Secretary and other relevant officials of the Tanintharyi Region Fisheries Federation on 28 June to discuss the issue.

According to the announcement by the deputy district governor, it was decided to ban the import of ten types of aquatic products at the Myeik-Sinkhontaung border crossing. This decision could negatively affect trade in Myeik and affect local fisheries, cold storage and related workers, which could lead to job losses. During the talks with the Thai ambassador, it was explained that the decision was reviewed by the relevant Thai authorities, which resulted in the suspension being lifted indefinitely, a participant in the meeting confirmed.

Thailand’s initial decision to suspend trade may have led to a decline and affected the friendly relations between Myeik and Prachuap Khiri Khan, as the Thai ambassador mentioned.

A representative of the Myeik-Sinkhontaung aquatic products export sector said that Thai fish buyers from Ranong were dissatisfied with direct exports via Sinkhontaung to markets in China and Vietnam, which offered better prices than Ranong. For example, the price difference for catfish between Ranong and Sinkhontaung was as much as 100 baht per kilogram. This prompted Ranong buyers to urge the Prachuap District Governor to stop imports from Myanmar. With the suspension now lifted, fisheries, traders and workers can resume their activities, which would otherwise have faced significant difficulties.

The Ranong fish market has dominated the seafood market in the Taninthayi region for about four decades. The recent suspension was not a decision by the Prachuap district governor, but the result of pressure from local fishing companies. Following the June 7 decision, the suspension has now been lifted indefinitely, allowing regular export of seafood from Myeik through the Myeik Sinkhontaung Gate.