Thailand grows much of the world's shrimp, so it is a frequent component of recipes. As you drive through the countryside at night, you see huge flooded fields with fluorescent lights that light up the field-pond.

There are many types of Thai shrimp:
-- Goong Gooladam are the black tiger shrimp
-- Goong Gam Gram are the river prawn (very big)
-- Goong Chi Hae are the white ones that you normally see in the US
-- Goong Foi are the tiny ones that grow in still, fresh water

You can find dried shrimp at any oriental grocery or, believe it or not, pet shops. Cats love them. But I would recommend going to the grocery. It is less expensive. They come in variety of sizes. Choose any that you like.