Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture is escalating efforts to control the invasive black-striped catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) which has spread to 21 provinces, damaging aquatic ecosystems and threatening fishing communities. Deputy Minister Vutthiphol announced seven proactive measures including intensified capture and culling, predator fish releases, processing caught fish into meal/fertilizer, surveillance systems, community networks, technology (DNA tracking), and ecosystem restoration. A special Task Force will be established in each affected province with central government support, while the Ministry of Interior coordinates relief for affected persons. Stricter controls on importing exotic aquatic species are also being implemented to prevent future incidents.