Giant river prawn farming is an important part of the Thai
economy valued at US$79,096,000 and ranked third globally behind
China and India at the time of this survey (FAO, 2005). The
combination of intensive culture practices and lack of water treatment
will have severe consequences for the industry in the future. Economic
and environmentally balanced practices are necessary to maintain this
level of production and continue providing employment and income
opportunities for local people. In Thailand, efforts to engage and
empower the tight knit farming community through outreach and
certification programs have potential for impact.