After discussions between the Thai ambassador to Myanmar and the Taninthayi Region Fisheries Federation, it was reported that the temporary suspension on the import of 10 types of marine products by Thailand has been lifted indefinitely.

Thailand had previously announced a temporary suspension of the import of 10 types of marine products from Myanmar starting from July until December 31, as declared by the deputy district governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

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 June 28 to discuss the issue.

According to the announcement from the deputy district governor, the suspension of the 10 types of aquatic products was decided to be implemented at the Myeik-Sinkhontaung border gate. This decision could negatively impact trade in Myeik and affect local fisheries, cold storage facilities, and related workers, leading to job losses. During the discussions with the Thai ambassador, it was explained that the decision was reviewed by the relevant Thai departments, resulting in the indefinite lifting of the suspension, as confirmed by a meeting attendee.

The initial suspension decision by Thailand could have decreased trade and affected the friendly relations between Myeik and Prachuap Khiri Khan, as mentioned by the Thai ambassador.

A representative of the Myeik-Sinkhontaung aquatic product export sector stated that Thai fish buyers from Ranong were dissatisfied with the direct exports to markets in China and Vietnam via Sinkhontaung, which offered better prices compared to Ranong. For example, the price difference for catfish between Ranong and Sinkhontaung was up to 100 baht per kilogram. This led Ranong buyers to pressure the Prachuap district governor to suspend imports from Myanmar. With the suspension now lifted, the fisheries, traders, and workers can resume their activities, which would otherwise have faced significant difficulties.

The Ranong fish market has dominated the Taninthayi Region's aquatic product market for about four decades, and the recent suspension was not a decision by the Prachuap district governor but a result of pressure from the local fishery businesses. Following the decision made on June 7, the suspension has now been indefinitely lifted, allowing the regular export of aquatic products from Myeik through the Myeik-Sinkhontaung gate.