Watcharapol is leading efforts to eradicate the invasive black-chinned tilapia without waiting for a court ruling, declaring a definitive stance and elevating it as a mission for the public. He insists on proceeding rigorously with standards no less than those set by the court verdict.
On 9 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Watcharapol Khawkhum, Member of Parliament for Udon Thani from the Pheu Thai Party and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed public concerns over the black-chinned tilapia outbreak ongoing since 2020. He affirmed that since taking charge of this issue, he has never been complacent and has implemented seven proactive measures. Regarding the Central Administrative Court’s initial ruling instructing the Department of Fisheries to follow a previously established plan with Ministry of Agriculture support within 180 days from the final verdict, he confirmed that the government recognizes the severity of the black-chinned tilapia problem, which affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and local livelihoods in outbreak areas. Controlling the spread of black-chinned tilapia is a serious and ongoing mission for the government, and the ministry will not wait for the final legal outcome.
Mr. Watcharapol reaffirmed that the seven proactive measures already implemented include rapidly capturing and removing black-chinned tilapia from affected water bodies; releasing predator fish into these waters to help hunt and contain the invasive species within manageable areas; utilizing captured black-chinned tilapia in various ways such as processing into fish meal or fertilizer to avoid waste; enforcing strict surveillance in high-risk zones to prevent further spread to new water bodies; educating and involving community-level agricultural networks in monitoring efforts; employing innovative technologies like tracking systems to monitor and prevent expansion, including DNA analysis; and restoring aquatic resources and ecosystems following successful eradication in targeted areas.
Addressing public questions on why complete eradication has not yet been achieved despite ongoing efforts, Mr. Watcharapol explained that the outbreak currently spans 21 provinces, with existing budget and personnel resources insufficient. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has requested central budget support, and he has discussed the issue with the Prime Minister. The government intends to intensify eradication and control measures to reduce black-chinned tilapia numbers as quickly and extensively as possible. Effective previous measures will continue rigorously and cover all 21 provinces. New measures allowed under the updated fisheries law, as well as methods trialed and assessed by the Department of Fisheries, will be introduced. Given the wide outbreak area, the government plans to engage fishermen, communities, and local residents to actively participate in sustained control efforts. Specific special committees will be established under direct supervision, alongside rapid response task forces at the provincial level in all affected areas, ensuring clear responsibility, multi-agency coordination, and swift field operations.
Regarding relief efforts, Mr. Watcharapol revealed that he is working closely with the Ministry of Interior to expedite assistance for people affected by the black-chinned tilapia outbreak.
He also emphasized that the black-chinned tilapia issue serves as an important lesson for all sectors, both government and private, to strictly uphold responsibilities toward aquatic ecosystems. The Department of Fisheries must tighten regulations on the importation and control of alien aquatic species, elevate surveillance systems at border checkpoints, and strengthen related oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence of similar problems in the future.