INFLUENCE ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF FROZEN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY IN THAILAND

Abstract

This research aimed 1) to study the problems and obstacles affecting the competitiveness of  frozen seafood industry in Thailand, 2) to analyze the influence on the competitiveness of  frozen seafood industry in Thailand, and 3) to propose the guidelines for developing the competitiveness of  frozen seafood industry in Thailand.  The research was qualitative. Key informants were 11 government personnel involved in Thai frozen seafood industry and 11 private entrepreneurs involved in frozen seafood industry in Thailand, totaling 22 people by a purposive selection. The research instrument was a structured interview form. Data analysis was conducted by analyzing content in various issues to find conclusions and understand the overall. 

          The  research results found that: 1) the problems and obstacles affecting the competitiveness frozen seafood industry  in Thailand found that frozen seafood industry in Thailand faced many problems and obstacles, such as raw material volatility, strict standards of importing countries, lacked of specialized personnel, and logistics and transportation problems. Meanwhile, external factors such as political changes, government policies, and economic fluctuations all had a direct impact on the industry's competitiveness, 2) the influence on the competitiveness of frozen seafood industry in Thailand found that political changes, government policies, and economic fluctuations all had a direct impact on the competitiveness of frozen seafood industry in Thailand. Economic analysis found that exchange rates and economic recession reduced demand for products, while in terms of technology and society, digital technology could help increase production efficiency, but there was still a shortage of personnel with skills to use new technologies. Changes in consumer tasted that prioritize food safety and the environment also affect product development, and 3) the guidelines for developing the competitiveness of  frozen seafood industry in Thailand  found that the production process should be improved to meet international standards, new product development, strong branding, expansion of export markets using digital technology, training and development of human resources, and cooperation with the public and private sectors to create sustainability in the supply chain. Environmentally friendly operations and social responsibility were another important strategy for creating sustainability for the industry.