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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Thailand: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Thailand source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are shrimp, tilapia, barramundi; typical water temperatures are 25–32 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.13 per kWh.

Thailand has advanced shrimp hatcheries and processing; biosecure intensive ponds and RAS nurseries are the main upgrades.

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Key planning facts

Main species
shrimp, tilapia, barramundi
Common systems
Ponds, RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
25–32 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.13 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 0.60 / m³
Compound feed
≈ THB 44 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
7%
Currency
THB (≈ 34 / USD)
Licensing authority
Department of Fisheries (DOF)
Main import ports
Laem Chabang and Bangkok
See vetted supplier categories for Thailand

What to check before requesting quotes in Thailand

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (25–32 °C) for shrimp.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.13/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with Department of Fisheries (DOF).
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Laem Chabang and Bangkok.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 0.60 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 7% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Thailand?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Thailand costs roughly THB 68.9M (≈ $2M) – THB 107.1M (≈ $3.2M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Thailand?

Commercial projects in Thailand mainly focus on shrimp, tilapia, barramundi.

Who licenses aquaculture in Thailand?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve Department of Fisheries (DOF). Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Thailand questions: see the market FAQ

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