FRN and PIPO officials met in Trat Province to discuss pressing issues regarding fishing vessel inspection protocols. The meeting highlighted several ongoing violations that continue to undermine the rights and welfare of fishers in Thailand.
Key issues raised included:
- Fishers being forced to purchase their own water before porting out, violating Thai law that mandates employers provide adequate food and water at no cost.
- Reports of underpayment and delayed or withheld wages, with monthly salaries not paid on time or through electronic transfer.
- Concerns regarding the complaint reporting procedure and interview process.
- Vessel inspection protocols that are not effectively addressing violations.
- Document retention of fisher passports, ATM cards, and bank books, by employers.
These issues align with the findings of the FRN National Fisher Conditions Survey released in January of this year, and confirm that conditions remain dire in the Thai fishing industry. Despite clear violations of Thai law (Fisheries Act of 2015 and 2018), ILO C188 provisions, and basic employment and immigration policies, investigations and sanctions against violators remain insufficient.
FRN continues to advocate for stronger enforcement of labor laws and a safer, fairer working environment for fishers in Thailand.
