The Department of Fisheries is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary from 21–22 September 2026, showcasing key achievements through four eras. The event will feature research presentations, innovations, an Open House, and quality fishery products from over 36 vendors, reflecting its role in job creation, product value enhancement, and strengthening Thailand's sustainable fisheries economy.
Mr. Manop Noosorn, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that the department was established on 21 September 1926 during the reign of King Rama VII by royal decree as the Department of Aquatic Animal Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1933, it was renamed the Department of Fisheries, and later in 1953 it became the Department of Fisheries as it is today, continuously advancing Thailand's fisheries sector in multiple dimensions.
On the occasion of its 100th anniversary this year, the Department of Fisheries is organizing a grand celebration under the theme "Under the Royal Patronage: 100 Years of the Department of Fisheries – Fish in the Water, Creating Value for Food Security," narrating its century-long journey through four key eras:
The Era of Establishment, the Era of Development, the Era of Progress, and the Era of Sustainability, which highlight the department's essential role in laying the foundation and advancing Thai fisheries, including aquatic animal farming, research and development, career promotion, and balanced resource management to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen for many years.
The stories of these four eras will be conveyed through various activities and exhibitions throughout the two-day event, including ceremonies, recognition activities, knowledge transfer, and public engagement with the department's missions.
Mr. Manop added that on the morning of 21 September 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony of the 100th anniversary event, releasing aquatic animals electronically and viewing the royal honor exhibition and the 100th anniversary exhibition of the Department of Fisheries, one of the six key exhibitions of the event.
These exhibitions include "100 Stories of the Department of Fisheries," "A Century of Royal Benevolence Towards Sustainable Fisheries Development," "Continuing the Royal Initiatives: Creating Careers for Sustainable Fisheries Development," "100 Years, 100 Thai Fish: From Rivers to Food Security," "The Lifeline: Empowering Local Fishing Communities Towards Sustainability," and "DOF Tech 100 Years: The Centennial Step into Digital Fisheries."
In the afternoon, there will be an award ceremony recognizing outstanding contributors and those who have benefited the fisheries sector, including awards for exemplary civil servants, government excellence, and DOF NEXT GEN INFLUENCER. On 22 September 2026, the department will host Flash Talk sessions to showcase 18 distinguished research and innovation projects in depth, such as a project on improving solar-powered drying efficiency for seafood processing and an intelligent flowing water nursery system for fish larvae.
Other projects include "From Steamed Eggs to Function Feed: Innovative Ready-made Food for Juvenile Aquatic Animals," among others. The sessions will be open to the public to learn, exchange views, and directly engage with department researchers to transform research into accessible knowledge and practical future applications.
Additionally, throughout the two-day event, the Department of Fisheries will serve as a learning hub with Open House activities, inviting everyone to experience and participate closely in fisheries missions.
These activities cover key knowledge areas including aquatic animal feed research, marine fisheries, freshwater fisheries, and product quality inspection, with experts providing knowledge transfer to enable attendees to apply and develop their careers or create new business opportunities in the future.
Another unmissable activity is the department's collaboration with community networks to showcase the potential of local fishery products, focusing on value addition and processing knowledge promotion. The event will host sales of quality products from community enterprise groups, local fishing organizations, private operators, and over 36 Fisherman Shops from various provinces.
This supports fishermen and community entrepreneurs by providing direct sales channels to consumers, promoting local fishery products’ recognition, and generating income back to the communities.
Mr. Manop further invited the public and interested parties to join the journey into the new century of the Department of Fisheries and experience numerous activities free of charge from 21-22 September 2026, 08:30 – 16:30, at the Department of Fisheries in Bangkok.