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During the review period, the Thai economy has faced different challenges, such as changes of political situation, natural disasters, for example the 2011 floods (...)

(...) The manufacturing sector (particularly the automobile and electronics sub-sectors) was badly hit by a series of natural disasters. A major earthquake in Japan temporarily disrupted supply chains and slowed production as Japan is a major source of intermediate and capital goods (see section 4.6.1.1, below). This was followed by severe flooding in Thailand from end July 2011.

Regarding the Paddy Pledging Scheme, which was terminated by July 2014, currently the Government utilizes through four channels to release the rice in its public stock through (...) (4) donation to people affected by natural disasters. All of these channels do not affect the world market price of rice.

The paddy-pledging scheme was terminated in February 2014. According to the authorities there are five release channels for rice stocks: (...) (e) donations to persons affected by natural disasters. (...)

Thailand's licensed fishing fleet totalled 16,548 vessels in 2013 (down from 17,203 in 2011 but up from 12,920 in 2008), representing a gross tonnage of 391,972 (up from 378,598 in 2011 and 359,038 in 2008). Most vessels are between 6 and 30 metres long. As explained by the authorities, the increase in fishing licences granted over the period 2008-12 was due to the government's ongoing project to build artificial reefs, particularly in coastal areas. This led to an increase in aquatic animals, in turn causing fishermen to apply for more fishing licences.

(...) A new Fisheries Act entered into force in 2015, adjusting fisheries resources management measures to be more compatible with international fisheries laws and standards as well as new fisheries technologies. (...)

(...) A new Fisheries Act entered into force in 2015, adjusting fisheries resources management measures to be more compatible with international fisheries law and standards as well as new fisheries technologies. Foreigners are prohibited from commercial fishing in Thai fishery waters and within its exclusive economic zone. (...)

The new Fisheries Act aims to adjust fisheries resources management measures in the country to be more compatible with international fisheries law and standards (International Plan of Action on Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated Fishing; Law of the Sea; UN Fish Stocks Agreement; Port State Measure Agreement) and EC Regulation 1005/2008; new advanced fisheries technologies; and present social surroundings. Legislative reform was due to obsolete provisions under the 1947 Act. Its provisions focused in particular on inland fisheries management and mentioned very little about marine fisheries development measures. There was also no regulating provision on aquaculture practices. Under the new Act, inland, coastal and marine fisheries zones are designated in order to regulate the fishing capacity of fishermen and the types of fishing gear that may be used. The Act also improves fisheries monitoring, surveillance and control as well as aquaculture and sanitary standards.

The Department of Fisheries has set out five strategies for fisheries management over the period 2013-16 (Table 4.8)

Table 4.8 Strategies for fisheries management
Strategy Components
1. Increase fish production  Enhance fish production capability of fish farmers.
 Promote and transfer fish production technology.
2. Develop fish production and fishery products  Improve aquaculture system in compliance with international standards.
 Promote sustainable and responsible aquaculture and fishing.
 Promote quality and safety of fish and fishery products throughout the production chain.
 Expand the scope of the aquaculture certification scheme and enhance the certification body for accreditation against ISO/IC Guide 65.
3. Manage aquatic resources to ensure sustainability and biodiversity  Rehabilitate and conserve fisheries resources.
 Promote community-based aquatic resources management.
 Explore new fishing grounds.
4. Fishery technology research and development  Conduct research according to the Fisheries Research Master Plan 2012 2016 of the Department of Fisheries.
 Increase innovative research.
 Transfer research technology to the private sector.
(...)