Blackchin Tilapia: Thailand Seeks 350M Baht to Fight Spread
Ministry of Agriculture plans rapid response teams across 21 provinces and seeks 350 million baht in central budget to combat blackchin tilapia.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Ministry of Agriculture orders proactive and decisive action against blackchin tilapia invasion
- Special committee and provincial rapid response teams to be established across 21 affected provinces
- Additional central budget of around 350 million baht planned to support widespread containment
The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has instructed all affiliated agencies to operate proactively, swiftly, and decisively to halt the outbreak of blackchin tilapia, which severely impacts biodiversity ecosystems and citizens' livelihoods. The invasive species currently affects 21 provinces across the country.
To ensure operational flexibility and targeted solutions, the ministry is preparing to establish a special committee to directly oversee the resolution, along with provincial rapid response teams in all 21 affected areas. This structure ensures clear local accountability, inter-agency coordination, and immediate field operations to hunt, catch, and control the species while cutting through cumbersome paperwork.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Regarding financial planning, the government previously allocated approximately 70 to 90 million baht for fiscal year 2027. However, due to the widening and intensifying spread, this initial budget may fall short of actual demands. Consequently, the Ministry of Agriculture has consulted the Prime Minister in principle and may request an additional central budget allocation of approximately 350 million baht to comprehensively control and resolve the crisis.
The spread of blackchin tilapia in Thailand began between 2023 and 2027, continuously alarming the fishing industry and environmental sectors due to the fish's rapid breeding capabilities and displacement of native species. Elevating countermeasures to rapid response teams and seeking substantial additional funding highlights the urgency of containing the outbreak before ecological and economic damages escalate further.
This situation aligns with a previous ruling by the Central Administrative Court, which ordered the Department of Fisheries to expedite a containment and eradication plan for blackchin tilapia, including designating Samut Songkhram province as a primary controlled zone due to its status as the hardest-hit area.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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