BANGKOK, 12 November 2013 8 associations in the fishery industry have vowed to stop employing illegal labors in a bid to help the country get out of the US’s Tier 2 Watch List.
In a declaration signing ceremony chaired by Minister for Agriculture Yukol Limlamthong, 8 associations have come together to announce their intentions to stop employing illegal migrant workers. According to the minister, Thailand is on the US’s Tier 2 Watch List for human trafficking, and if it does not make changes now, it could be included in the Tier 3 Watch List; which will have a tremendous effect on the country’s export. Thailand has been on the US’s watch list for 4 consecutive years.
These associations included the National Fisheries Association of Thailand, the Overseas Fisheries Association, the Thai Fishmeal Producers Association, the Thai Feed Mill Association, the Thai Frozen Foods Association, the Thai Shrimp Association, the Thai Tuna Industry Association, and the Thai Food Processors’ Association.
Meanwhile, Mr. Isara Vongkusolkit, the Chairman of The Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the 8 associations would also focus on supporting and enhancing the workers’ quality of life as well as declaring war against child labor. He also expressed his belief that, with all sides’ concerted efforts, the problem of human trafficking will eventually be eliminated.
