The Official Launching of the Project on Combating Unacceptable Forms of Work in the Thai Fishing and Seafood Industry

Currently, labour shortage becomes a reality of major industries in Thailand, leading to influx of migrants from neighbouring countries, especially Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia, to Thailand in search of economic opportunity. Accordingly, Thailand values the potentials and contribution of migrant workers to the country’s economic development. The Royal Thai Government therefore attaches great importance to ensuring migrant workers protection of human rights and labour rights, as well as access to social protection and healthcare, in an equal and inclusive manner.

To step up such attempt and strengthen partnership among stakeholders involved, the Ministry of Labour of Thailand extends its cooperation with European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in launching a project on “Combatting Unacceptable Forms of Work in the Thai Fishing and Seafood Industry.” The launching ceremony was be co-hosted by the executive and high-level representatives from the three parties, namely, General Sirichai Distakul, Minister of Labour, Mr. Jesus Miguel Sanz, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Thailand, and Mr. Marizio Bussi, Director of ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR. The ceremony was held on 17 March 2016 at the Ministry of Labour.

The project will contribute to the prevention and reduction of forced labour, child labour and other unacceptable forms of work in the Thai fishing and seafood processing sector. This will be achieved by enhancing the effectiveness of labour inspection by strengthening governance, systems, capacities, cooperation and transparency. Application of laws will also be promoted through empowering workers to exercise their rights. Efforts to better regulate the industry and mange migration will reduce employers’ reliance on unscrupulous labour recruiters and irregular migrants’ vulnerability. Children of migrant workers or unaccompanied child migrants will be protected from labour exploitation.

Those vulnerable groups, including women, men, and children, will benefit from the project as they will be protected from exploitation and condition of forced labour and worst form of child labour in fishing and seafood processing sector. Government agencies involved, such as the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Thai Navy, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Fisheries, and the Marine Department, will also benefit from the project through capacity building activities which will introduce Good Labour Practices concept and enhance their capability on effective law enforcement. 

29 March 2016