Choosing sustainable seafood is one of the most effective ways to protect marine ecosystems while also supporting healthier food systems. In Thailand, where seafood plays a central role in local cuisine, understanding how fish and shellfish are caught or farmed matters more than ever.
In this guide, you’ll learn what sustainable seafood means, discover responsible local producers and restaurants, and find practical ways to make more informed choices as a consumer.
What is Sustainable Seafood?
Sustainable seafood includes fish and shellfish that producers catch or farm in ways that maintain healthy populations, protect marine habitats, and support the long-term wellbeing of oceans and coastal communities.
However, unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices often lead to overfishing, habitat destruction, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. In many intensive aquaculture systems, farmers raise fish in overcrowded conditions. As a result, water quality declines, oxygen levels drop, and disease risk increases. To manage these issues, some farms rely on chemicals or antibiotics, while wastewater from poorly managed operations can flow into nearby waterways and damage marine ecosystems.
By contrast, sustainable seafood producers prioritize responsible stocking densities, cleaner water management, and traceable supply chains. In addition, they adopt practices that reduce environmental harm and protect surrounding habitats. As a result, supporting sustainable seafood benefits both the planet and consumers.
Sustainable and Responsible Seafood Producers in Thailand
ร้านคนจับปลา (Fisherfolk)
This community-based group of local fisherfolk from Songkhla sells seafood directly to consumers, helping reduce middlemen and increase transparency. Their seafood is free from formaldehyde and is often available at local farmers’ markets. To place an order or check their upcoming locations, you can call 098 921 1284 or follow their Facebook page, ร้านคนจับปลา fisherfolk1
ร้านคนทะเล (Ran Khon Talay)
Based in Kui Buri, ร้านคนทะเล Ran Khon Talay supplies formaldehyde-free seafood and works directly with local fishing communities.Customers can place orders online via LINE (ID: @729quord).2
Restaurants Serving Sustainable Seafood in Thailand
Sustainable Seafood Standards and Certifications
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
The MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) sets global standards for wild-capture fisheries. Seafood that meets these standards carries the MSC blue label. According to this map published on the MSC website, currently, Thailand has no MSC-certified fisheries. Thus MSC-labelled seafood sold locally is usually imported.
Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
The ASC Aquaculture Stewardship Council focuses on responsible aquaculture. ASC-certified seafood meets standards related to environmental impact, animal welfare, and social responsibility. Several farms in Thailand currently hold ASC certification, and consumers can verify certified producers through the ASC website.
What can Consumers do to find out if the seafood you are consuming is Sustainable?
Ask questions: When dining out, ask restaurant staff, owner of chef where their seafood comes from and how it is sourced. Transparency is a positive sign.
Avoid endangered species: Fish such as “snow fish” (also known as Chilean seabass or Patagonian toothfish) face heavy overfishing and may enter markets through illegal or unregulated channels.
Be cautious with farmed salmon: Much of the salmon served in Bangkok comes from intensive farming systems. Wild-caught salmon is rare and significantly more expensive.
Learn about GMO salmon: Genetically modified salmon exists globally, and consumers may wish to research this topic further before purchasing.
Choose certified seafood when possible: Look for ASC or Friend of the Sea certifications when shopping. You can also join a roundtable with the Thai Sustainable Fisheries group to find out more.
Ultimately, consumer demand plays a powerful role. When shoppers and diners consistently choose responsibly sourced seafood, supermarkets, and restaurants are more likely to change what they buy, serve, and sell.
Be sure to check out our articles on Best Places to Buy Organic Food in Bangkok, best places to buy Organic Food in Chiang Mai and best places to buy Organic Food in Phuket.
Disclaimer: The photos on this website are mostly from Pixabay and credited as in footnotes. We purposefully chose not to use AI to generate images for sustainability reasons. When possible, images will be replaced with author’s own photography and images.
Featured Image Credit.4