Thailand is set become the first country in Asia to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention C188, which sets basic standards for work in the industry.
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), which has been advising the Thai government on these issues since 2013, applauds this progress and urges Thailand to keep up the momentum for reform, to protect both fishers and Thailand’s international reputation.
Steve Trent, executive director of EJF, said: “The National Legislative Assembly has today taken a bold, progressive and important step towards the protection of workers in the seafood sector from violence and labour abuses.
“This action is to be applauded, it shows both regional and global leadership by the Royal Thai Government, becoming the first Asian nation to ratify the convention.”
By setting international standards for decent work in the fishing industry, the convention is designed to eradicate abuses such as slavery and human trafficking which the EJF feels have blighted Thailand’s fishing fleet and seafood sector in recent decades.
In 2019 Thailand will become chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, providing a unique opportunity to demonstrate further leadership in the region, encouraging neighbouring countries to follow suit.
The EJF is concerned that the legislative reforms have met with industry opposition and urges the Thai government to defend its stance and for the international community to support this ratification.
