Thailand’s deputy national police chief saw first how the country’s stricter new fishing regulations are being enforced during a visit to Sattahip.
Pol. Gen. Ek Angsananon toured the Port In/Port Out Control Center in Samae San July 25 to see how port officials are regulating fishing boats entering or leaving the fishing pier.
Pol. Capt. Anuchar Buthsingkorn, director of the center, explained its operations and problems faced.
The police brass visited and examined the various piers, as well as explained to boat operators the government’s policies and new regulations aimed at complying with the European Union’s standards on preventing illegal, unregistered and unreported fishing.
Workers aboard fishing vessels currently at port in Samae San hold up their legal papers and IDs for the police entourage to inspect.
Under those rules, the Royal Thai Police was assigned to urgently suppress illegal fishing, use of illegal alien workers, and human trafficking.
Ek said he has ordered police commanders to support the IUU-elimination effort in 22 coastal provinces. The hope is Thailand will be deemed to be in compliance with the EU rules.
Earlier this year, the EU issued Thailand a “yellow card” warning, giving it 90 days to meet IUU standards or face a ban on seafood exports to the economic bloc.
