New: You can now listen to articles.BANGKOK: Thailand is proposing sweeping changes to fisheries laws that could weaken penalties for illegal fishing and the protection of workers, reversing gains made several years ago and threatening billions of dollars worth of trade, opponents say.
Some draft bills include re-allowing the transfer of boat crews at sea and removing requirements for vessels to provide crew lists before leaving port. These raise concerns about workers’ welfare and the heightened risk of human trafficking. “To amend this law doesn’t mean we will cancel everything and change it back to the way it was before," he said.
But the National Fisheries Association of Thailand , which represents 58 commercial fishing members across 22 provinces, has powerfully lobbied for change. “The US and EU should understand that we are making this bill in parliament … and they should support us.”to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, concerned that weaker regulations would harm Thailand’s reputation as well as the long-term viability of its fisheries sector.e Foundation in Southeast Asia, said such drastic changes would inevitably result in important export market partners taking a closer look at Thailand’s seafood industry again.
“I think that the penalties should be higher. It could prevent businessmen from wrongdoing and encourage them to try to operate legally instead of seeing these workers as a new era of slaves,” she said. The laws have made it much more difficult for commercial fishers to enter inshore exclusion and marine protected areas, which are important as fish nurseries and for the regeneration of fish populations.
As of 2022, the figure in each water body had recovered by 80 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. “The situation on boats is better, workers are legal and they feel like they exist and are protected,” Ms Patima said.
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