Quality standard implementation in the Thai seafood processing industry

Abstract

The key findings on implementing ISO 9000 standard in the seafood industry, which is recognized as the leading export industry in Thailand, have been presented. The purpose of this study was to describe the current situation in ISO 9000 implementation, the characteristics, the strengths, the weaknesses, and problems of implementing a quality standard. Reports the finding of a mail questionnaire survey conducted on 178 selected seafood companies. The analysis of the survey data suggested that about 94 percent of companies obtained at least one quality standard. With further analysis, we also found that there are some different characteristics in terms of product type, production process, and purchasing policies among these selected companies. Results indicated that Thai seafood companies still lack enthusiasm regarding ISO 9000, compared with other countries in Asia. Finally, we found major problems in implementing ISO 9000 such as lack of understanding this quality standard and lack of support from the staff and management.