Thailand is a major shrimp exporter. Welfare conditions for farmed shrimp are improving but face challenges including disease pressure, stocking density, and slaughter practices.
The welfare status of farmed shrimp remains contested, with ongoing debate about the nature of their sentience. However, mounting evidence of pain-relevant neural structures and avoidance behavior justifies precautionary concern. Thai shrimp farms face particular challenges: disease pressure drives high-density production and chemical use, and slaughter welfare is rarely considered. Progressive Thai producers are adopting better practices, and consumer demand for welfare-certified shrimp can accelerate this transition.