BANGKOK, 6 May 2015 – The government is urgently solving the problem of IUU fishing to beat the 180-day timeframe set by the EU. It is also preparing for the EU observation teams to visit Thailand during 10-22 May, Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp revealed after a weekly economic cabinet meeting.
The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, heard reports on the progress of IUU fishing suppression by all related authorities. Gen Prayut assigned them to submit the report on a monthly basis and finish all the measures within the EU’s timeframe.
Among the measures already done were the registration of fishing vessels, the installation of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) on all fishing trawlers with over 60 Gross Tonnage, the amendment of the Fisheries Act which is to be in effect in the next two months as well as the traceability of fishery products. In parallel, the Thai Navy has expedited the drafting of action and budgetary plans which are to be proposed to the cabinet.
The meeting also discussed assistance to farmers for the next planting season. Gen Prayut has ordered the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to explain farmers about urgent and long-term measures to promote agricultural zoning, reduce production cost and prevent the repetition of the falling prices of agricultural products.
As for the accumulated drought in 3,051 subdistricts, the government has approved a one-million-baht financial support for each subdistrict to help farmers reduce production costs in the next planting season. They will receive cash cards for buying seeds and fertilizers with lower prices.
