Taking part in the joint effort to conduct the inspections, carried out at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Research and Development Institute Pier at Cape Panwa, were officials from more than 14 agencies.
The inspection focused on preventing human trafficking and the use of child labour in the fishing industry, said an official report of the inspections.
Officials outlined three key objectives: eliminating human trafficking and the worst forms of child labour; protecting workers on fishing vessels; and ensuring that all employees receive their legal benefits.
Among the agencies joining the inspections were officers from the Phuket Fishing Vessel Entry-Exit Control Center, the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, the Phuket Provincial Labour Office, the Phuket Provincial Internal Security Operations Command, the Marine Police, among others.
Vice Governor Ronnarong emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding fisheries workers and ensuring strict compliance with labour laws. He reiterated that Phuket’s fishing industry must align with international labour standards to support sustainable and ethical fishing practices.
During the inspection, officials checked four fishing vessels: S. Thanawut Chainawee 19 (38 crew members); K. Sirichai 19 (41 crew members); Sak Suwan 555 (45 crew members); and the S. Thanawut Chainawee 63 (34 crew members).
Officials confirmed that all vessels and workers inspected had complete and valid documentation, and no instances of human trafficking or child labour were found.
Following a series of similar inspections of Phuket fishing boats in November, Vice Governor Ronnarong highlighted Thailand’s ranking in the US Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, where Thailand remains in ‘Tier 2’ for the third consecutive year.
The ranking denoted by the annual report is to reflect ongoing efforts by the government to combat trafficking, including increased victim identification, prosecution of offenders, and victim support services.
Vice Governor Ronnarong said that tackling human trafficking remains a national priority for Thailand. He noted significant strides made, such as the establishment of victim screening centres and compensation frameworks, but highlighted areas for improvement to comprehensively address the issue.