As of 2025, Thailand’s National Fish Day remains one of the country’s most vibrant and enduring traditions, celebrating aquatic biodiversity, aquaculture, and fishkeeping. In 2024, the large-scale fish fair was held at Rangsit Park (Pathum Thani) from June 28 to July 7 — the 31st consecutive year. The event attracted over 120,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors from 25 provinces.
History & Significance
First launched in 1994 by the Department of Fisheries (DOF) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Fish Day is held on the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), a strong advocate of aquaculture as a tool for poverty alleviation.
Today, the event is more than entertainment — it’s an educational platform promoting:
- Conservation of rare fish species
- Sustainable aquaculture
- Support for rural small businesses
- The hobby of fishkeeping
Fish Week 2024 Program
Over 10 days, Rangsit Park hosted diverse activities:
- “Beauty Contest” for fish — judging exotic species like bettas, angelfish, goldfish, and armored catfish based on color, fin shape, and behavior.
- Aquarium design competition — from home mini-tanks to professional aquascapes with plants and LED lighting.
- Aquatic plant & substrate exhibition — featuring aquarium landscape designers.
- Photo contest “Underwater World” — open to amateurs and professionals.
- Interactive multimedia zones — on rare fish, ecosystem threats, and breeding techniques.
Organizers & Participants
The event is co-organized by:
- Department of Fisheries (DOF)
- Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
- Universities (Kasetsart, Chulalongkorn — biology and agriculture faculties)
- Private sector — feed, tank, and equipment manufacturers
- Aquarium associations (Thai Aquarium Society)
Charity & Social Mission
In 2024, the main charitable goal was supporting the Her Majesty the Queen’s Foundation in healthcare. Proceeds from sales and donations were directed to Siriraj Hospital, Thailand’s oldest and largest medical center.
A medical exhibition accompanied the fair, offering:
- Free consultations with cardiologists, dietitians, and general practitioners
- Health screenings for blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol
- Education on preventing cardiovascular diseases
This honored the 125th anniversary of Siriraj Hospital (1888–2013), whose mission remains vital today.
Trade & Souvenirs
Visitors could:
- Purchase live fish and aquatic plants
- Buy equipment (filters, compressors, lighting)
- Choose souvenirs — ceramics, T-shirts, magnets with fish designs
- Taste Thai fish dishes prepared by local chefs
Relevance in 2025
As of 2025, Fish Day has evolved into a national strategy for sustainable development. Plans include:
- Expanding breeding programs for rare Thai species (e.g., Betta mahachaiensis)
- Integrating environmental education into school curricula
- Promoting community and school fish farming
- Launching a digital platform for online contest participation
Conclusion
Although Thailand’s Fish Day began as a modest event, by 2025 it has become a national festival of science, culture, and care. It’s a celebration where the beauty of a betta meets medical aid, and children learn to raise fish — not for profit, but for the future. As one organizer said: “Fish are not just food. They are life — and we must respect and protect them.”
Sources:
— Department of Fisheries (DOF): «National Fish Day 2024 Report»
— Ministry of Agriculture: «Aquaculture Development Strategy»
— Siriraj Hospital: «Community Health Outreach 2024»
— Bangkok Post: «Fish Lovers Flock to Rangsit Fair», July 2024
— The Nation: «How Thailand’s Fish Day Combines Beauty, Science and Charity»
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