The ILO adopted the “Work in Fishing Convention, 2007” on June 14 of that year and the articles in the convention have been under consideration by the Thai government since then, the representatives explained.
The articles of the convention are expected to become law in Thailand in September this year, they added.
Already known is that during the past 11 years copy of the draft law to be introduced has been sent to Office of the Phuket Governor for approval, and returned signed approved to lawmakers in Bangkok.
The same process was conducted with 22 of Thailand’s 24 coastal provinces that have major fishing industries.
At the handing over of the formal letter of protest yesterday leading representative Itsarapong Srisupawadee said that introducing the articles of the convention as law in Thailand will create problems that will seriously affect the fishing industry, especially in hiring workers.
“If the convention does become law, it would change the way of life of Thai fishermen, which would be controlled by foreigners,” he said.
“Also, the new regulations would require a lot of money to improve our boats and equipment, which might result in us going out of business – and no longer fishing – because we can’t afford the cost,” he added.
“This will lead to many workers left unemployed because the fishing industry would be gone and just waiting to be taken over by foreigners,” he noted.
“To this, the Phuket Fishermen Association would like to confirm our position and urge the government not to ratify International Labour Organization Convention 188 into Thai law,” Mr Itsarapong said.
Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok received the formal letter of protest, yet it was not reported what the next course of action would be or which office the letter would be forwarded to.
To read the full ‘Work in Fishing Convention, 2007’ as adopted by the ILO, click here.