Fisheries Dept. launches standard book and judging criteria for Thai Betta fish

Prachachat•Economy•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Department of Fisheries has released a revised standard and judging criteria for ornamental Betta fish to enhance their global competitiveness.

•The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Betta Fish Association and breeders, has published an updated 'Standard Book and Judging Criteria for Ornamental Betta Fish in Thailand' (revised B.E. 2025).
•This initiative aims to standardize and develop Thai Betta fish breeds to meet international market demands, boosting Thailand's ornamental fish business.
•Betta fish are identified as Thailand's national aquatic animal and its top export in terms of value, contributing significantly to the economy and aligning with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model.

Overview

•The Department of Fisheries, along with the Betta Fish Association and breeders, has jointly compiled the 'Standard Book and Judging Criteria for Ornamental Betta Fish in Thailand' (revised B.E. 2025) in order to develop and promote ornamental aquatic animals.
•The creation of this book is intended to elevate the development of Betta fish breeds for greater beauty according to standards and to develop new breeds that align with the demands of foreign traders and buyers.
•This effort is part of the Action Plan for the Development of Ornamental Aquatic Animals B.E. 2023 – 2027, with the goal of enhancing the quality and market-fitting standards of ornamental aquatic animals and aquatic plants.
•Nang Thitiporn Laopradert, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, stated that Betta fish are Thailand's national aquatic animal and its number 1 export by value for many years, as Thai Betta fish have been developed for their diverse and beautiful colors, making them popular worldwide.
•Betta fish are considered important for driving the economy and can be developed according to the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model policy.
•Increased fish shows will stimulate the ornamental fish market, encouraging breeders to develop higher quality and standardized products, leading to better breeds and new varieties for the market.
•The Department of Fisheries' Freshwater Aquaculture Research and Development Division, in collaboration with the Betta Fish Association and breeders, has revised the breed standards and judging criteria for Betta fish.
•Interested parties can download the standards from http://file.fisheries.go.th/f/aca2f5720b/, scan a QR Code in promotional materials, or obtain a copy from the Beautiful Aquatic Animals and Aquatic Plants Research and Development Group at the Cherdchai Amatayakul Building, 4th Floor, Department of Fisheries, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Bangkok.

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Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Quotes

Nang Thitiporn Laopradert

"“Betta fish” (Betta splendens, common names Siamese Fighting Fish or Siamese Betta), Thailand's national aquatic animal, is the ornamental aquatic animal with the highest export value for many consecutive years."

“ปลากัด” (Betta splendens ชื่อสามัญ Siamese Fighting Fish หรือ Siamese Betta) สัตว์น้ำประจำชาติไทย เป็นสัตว์น้ำสวยงามที่มีมูลค่าการส่งออกสูงสุดเป็นอันดับ 1 ต่อเนื่องหลายปี

Key Entities

Organization

Department of Fisheries(กรมประมง)ℹ️

The Thai government agency responsible for fisheries management and promotion, which has launched a new standard book for Betta fish.

Betta Fish Association(สมาคมปลากัด)

An association collaborating with the Department of Fisheries to develop and standardize Betta fish.

Betta fish(ปลากัด)ℹ️

Thailand's national aquatic animal, which is a high-value export and the subject of new judging standards.

Freshwater Aquaculture Research and Development Division(กองวิจัยและพัฒนาการเพาะเลี้ยงสัตว์น้ำจืด)

A division within the Department of Fisheries responsible for research and development in freshwater aquaculture, including ornamental fish.

Law

Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model(บีซีจี เศรษฐกิจชีวภาพ)ℹ️

The government's economic model under which the development of Betta fish is being promoted.

Person

Nang Thitiporn Laopradert(นางฐิติพร หลาวประเสริฐ)

The Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, who announced the importance of Betta fish exports.

Place

Cherdchai Amatayakul Building(อาคารเชิดชาย อมาตยกุล)

The building at the Department of Fisheries where the Beautiful Aquatic Animals and Aquatic Plants Research and Development Group is located.

Kasetsart University(เกษตรกลาง)ℹ️

The location of the Department of Fisheries headquarters, where the Cherdchai Amatayakul Building is situated.

Timeline

B.E. 2025(พ.ศ. 2025)

The year the revised 'Standard Book and Judging Criteria for Ornamental Betta Fish in Thailand' was published.

B.E. 2023 – 2027(พ.ศ. 2023 – 2027)

The timeframe for the Action Plan for the Development of Ornamental Aquatic Animals, under which the Betta fish initiative falls.