The government has ordered the formation of rapid response teams in 21 provinces to eliminate blackchin tilapia, alongside preparing a central budget to support proactive efforts for comprehensive outbreak control and resolution.
On 12 September 2026, Second Lieutenant Phattharadasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has instructed all affiliated agencies to act proactively, swiftly, and decisively to stop the spread of blackchin tilapia, which is impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of the population.
Currently, data show blackchin tilapia outbreaks in 21 provinces. To ensure efficient and targeted problem-solving, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives plans to establish a special committee to oversee the issue directly, along with setting up provincial-level rapid response teams, or Task Forces, in those 21 provinces with reported outbreaks. This will clarify responsibilities locally, facilitate inter-agency coordination, and enable immediate field operations to hunt, capture, and control blackchin tilapia by cutting through bureaucratic paperwork.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had implemented seven proactive measures: accelerating the hunting and eradication of blackchin tilapia from water sources; releasing predatory fish to control populations; processing captured fish into organic fertilizer and fishmeal to generate income; blocking high-risk areas and monitoring to prevent spread to new water bodies; partnering with communities by engaging volunteers and locals as watchers; using DNA analysis technology and tracking systems to monitor distribution; and restoring ecosystems after successful control in affected areas.
However, in addressing the blackchin tilapia problem, the government planned to allocate approximately 70-90 million baht in the 2027 budget. Given the current widespread outbreak, this amount may be insufficient. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has discussed the issue with the Prime Minister, who has agreed in principle, and additional central funds of about 350 million baht may be requested to comprehensively manage and resolve the outbreak.