The Department of Fisheries showcases the potential of Nile tilapia, transforming it from a royal-gifted fish to a popular freshwater species, driving the Thai economy with a value exceeding 14 billion baht annually.
Mrs. Thitiporn Laoprasert, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, revealed that Nile tilapia is Thailand's number one economic freshwater fish. It is easy to raise, grows quickly, has white flesh, good taste, high protein, and low fat, making it popular among consumers. It plays a crucial role in food security, creating jobs and income for farmers, and extends its impact to related industries throughout the supply chain, such as transportation, processing and products, production inputs and farming equipment, as well as marketing domestically and abroad.
According to statistics from the Department of Fisheries in 2025 (data as of 29 December 2025), Thailand has 339,489 Nile tilapia farms, producing a total of 273,169 tons valued economically at 13.612 billion baht. Most production, about 98%, is consumed domestically, with only 2% exported. In 2025, exports amounted to 4,844.7 tons, valued at 301.2 million baht. The main export forms are frozen fresh Nile tilapia, followed by chilled fresh tilapia, frozen tilapia fillets, and live tilapia, respectively. Key export markets include the United States, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan.
This data demonstrates Nile tilapia's potential not only as a food source for Thais but also as a significant driver of the national economy. Its journey began with the boundless grace of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who bestowed Nile tilapia to provide food and livelihoods for the Thai people. The fish was first introduced to Thailand on 25 March 1965 when Emperor Akihito of Japan (then Crown Prince) respectfully presented 50 freshwater tilapia to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Initially, the King experimented with raising them in ponds at the Chitralada Garden, observing their ease of cultivation and good growth, leading Him to name the species "Nile tilapia."
Subsequently, on 17 March 1966, the King graciously granted 10,000 fingerlings to the Department of Fisheries for breeding expansion at the experimental and breeding division in Bangkhen Agricultural Center, Bangkok, and various fisheries stations nationwide. These were bred and distributed to the people for cultivation as food and livelihood. Moreover, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great had the royal initiative to develop Nile tilapia breeds, recognizing the importance of conserving the original strains and improving breeds to promote aquaculture for farmers.
Since then, the Department of Fisheries has continuously supported research to develop and improve Nile tilapia breeds, enabling farmers access to high-quality, productive fish with high survival rates. Additionally, efforts have been made to enhance production efficiency by reducing farming costs, raising farm standards, and promoting farmer group formations to increase bargaining power for inputs and product sales. Support also extends to diversifying Nile tilapia products to add value, integrating modern technology and innovation to elevate farm quality and product standards, and expanding comprehensive distribution channels to build consumer confidence. Currently, improved Nile tilapia and red tilapia breeds distributed to farmers include Chitralada 3, Chitralada 4, Red 1, Red 2, and Pathum Thani 1. There are also improved breeds developed by the private sector.
Over the more than 60 years since receiving the royal gift of Nile tilapia, its development has been continuous—from household consumption to commercial aquaculture at an industrial scale. Today, it stands as a principal economic aquatic species nationwide, farmed across all regions, generating jobs and income, and linking a complete industry chain from upstream to downstream.
In gratitude for the immeasurable royal benevolence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great toward Thai fisheries, which has provided quality protein food, livelihoods, income, and strengthened social and economic security for Thailand to the present, the Department of Fisheries, together with the Chaipattana Foundation, the Thai Nile Tilapia Association, and the private sector, is preparing to hold the "60 Years of Royal Nile Tilapia for the Thai People" event from 13-17 March 2026 at Future Park and The Mall (Zpell) in Pathum Thani Province. This aims to carry forward the royal commitment to developing Nile tilapia aquaculture as a foundation for food security alongside sustainably driving the Thai economy.