Thailand’s fishing industry fears more regulation

Global Business

Fishermen in Thailand are complaining that they are being crushed by new government regulations introduced to manage an industry that has been accused of profiting from human trafficking and the abuse of illegal migrant workers.

The government is racing to regulate the fishing industry by October to avoid a ban on all seafood imports by the EU. That is seeming to be too much, too fast, say those in the fishing industry, who fear they will buckle under the government’s pressure.

CCTV’s Tony Cheng filed this report from Samut Sakorn, Thailand.

Follow Tony Cheng on Twitter @TLCBkk

Thailand\'s fishing industry fears more regulation

Fishermen in Thailand are complaining that they are being crushed by new government regulations introduced to manage an industry that has been accused of profiting from human trafficking and the abuse of illegal migrant workers.

More details:

  • The Thai government is keen to show it is finally regulating an industry that has been unchecked for decades with rules on everything from net sizes to proper documents for boat crews.
  • The new rules were introduced after revelations that human trafficking and slavery are rife in the Thai fishing industry. The rights of undocumented and illegal workers are routinely ignored and working conditions appalling.
  • The E.U. has said that if the Thai fishing industry doesn’t adhere to its regulations, it will ban imports of Thai fish and Seafood. A business worth $1 billion a year.