Marine Police officials have stepped inspections of fishing boats at Sattahip’s Samae San pier as part of Thailand’s rush to comply with European Union standards to avoid a ban on Thai seafood.
Sattahip chief inspector Pol. Lt. Pathina Kemlai led officials from Marine Police regions 3 and 5 to the fishing village April 29 where another 10 vessels were checked for proper registration, legal workers, and permitted equipment.
The move followed the European Union’s April 21 warning that Thailand must take action within six months to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or face a ban on its seafood exports to the EU that could cost the country 30 billion baht.
Marine Police inspect fishing boats at Sattahip’s Samae San pier as part of Thailand’s rush to comply with European Union standards to avoid a ban on Thai seafood.
Ten boats were checked, as well as the Chokrathanapreecha and Suwit fisheries plants.
Overall, the inspection found all migrant workers, mostly Burmese and Cambodian, had proper work permits and were all registered by their employer.
Pol. Col. Chatchai Chathiwet said that the inspection was performed to tackle illegal immigration and human-trafficking issues.
The EU has taken a stand against all fisheries products resulting from illegal practices, including the use of forced labor and methods which damage the environment. Thailand’s efforts in all those areas failed to impress EU officials in their latest evaluation in October, leading to the decision by Brussels to issue Thailand a so-called “yellow card”.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has vowed to use all means at his disposal to ensure Thailand is not issued a “red card” ban once the six-month window has expired.
