The Department of Labor Protection and Welfare (DLPW) has expressed readiness to impose maximum penalties on operators still involved in illegal fishing, following a tough crackdown which began earlier this year.
DLPW chief Peerapat Pornsirilertkit says the DLPW has given an ultimatum to all operators in the fishing industry to cease Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by June 30. Those found in violation of IUU fishing will face harsh legal action, starting from July 1.
BANGKOK, 24 June 2015 – The Department of Labor Protection and Welfare (DLPW) has expressed readiness to impose maximum penalties on operators still involved in illegal fishing, following a tough crackdown which began earlier this year.
DLPW chief Peerapat Pornsirilertkit says the DLPW has given an ultimatum to all operators in the fishing industry to cease Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by June 30. Those found in violation of IUU fishing will face harsh legal action, starting from July 1.
Earlier this year, the DLPW and related agencies actively mobilized units to inspect fishing operators’ use of labor and crew working conditions in the Gulf of Thailand. The crackdown is part of government policy to resolve the IUU fishing within six months.
The DLPW reported that the most frequent issues included incomplete employment contracts, refusal to register foreign workers, and Thai workers refusing to carry their ID cards. Inspections have yet to discover child labor.
Operators found in violation of fishing and labor regulations were first given warnings. Tougher penalties will be imposed on repeat offenders and those refusing to comply after the aforementioned deadline. Harsh enforcement of the fisheries industry is intended to salvage the country’s image with the European Union and other importers of Thai seafood.
