Thailand is the world's largest shrimp exporting country, and welfare standard development in Thai shrimp farming has significant global impact on the welfare of billions of farmed animals.
Thai shrimp welfare is embedded in a complex context of international trade standards, environmental certification, and labor rights that can either support or compete with welfare improvements. Export market certification requirements have been the primary driver of improved management practices in Thai shrimp farming, including disease management improvements that have direct welfare benefits. As shrimp sentience evidence accumulates and international welfare standards develop, Thai producers with existing certification infrastructure are better positioned to incorporate welfare requirements. Consumer purchasing decisions in importing countries directly influence Thai shrimp welfare through market signals to certified producers.