Nationwide protest against EU fishing regulations

By The Nation

 

 

Fishermen across the country staged a protest against the European Union on Thursday over its stringent regulations regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Thailand.

Fishermen in 22 seaside provinces turned out to show their opposition against the EU on the occasion of National Fisheries Day. More than 3,000 protesters turned out in Samut Songkram alone, with demonstrators wearing black shirts featuring anti-EU messages.

 

Thai Fisheries Association chairman Mongkol Sukcharoenkana said the fishermen had gathered to signal to the EU that they were unhappy with the EU’s “double standard” regarding the Thai fishing industry, adding that EU officials were trying to use IUU fishing regulations as a trade barrier rather than to preserve marine resources.

 

 

“From the past actions of the EU, we can see that they have applied a double standard on us. Despite how hard the Thai government and fishing industry have tried to solve IUU fishing, they ignored our efforts and still keep a yellow card for Thailand,” Mongkol said.

 

“This is a clear political game against Thailand, and the EU tried to boycott our government by harming our fishing industry. This is why we have to come out and show that we will not tolerate this unjust standard anymore.”

 

He said IUU regulations had destroyed the Thai fishing industry over the past two years, adding that the fisheries sector had already lost Bt500 billion in damages due to IUU regulations.

 

 

Mongkol also said the Thai fishing fleet formerly had as many as 40,000 boats, but now the number had decreased to 10,600 vessels, 3,500 of which could operate because of the lack of labour.

 

 “If the EU still interferes with Thai businesses, we will apply our own measures against the EU, such as boycotting goods from the EU or protesting their exploration for natural gas in Thai waters,” he added.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30327309

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-09-21

I don't say this very often but in this case 'well done the EU'  

13 minutes ago, webfact said:

“If the EU still interferes with Thai businesses, we will apply our own measures against the EU, such as boycotting goods from the EU or protesting their exploration for natural gas in Thai waters,” he added.

YEAH! Boycott those luxury German cars and designer clothes & handbags!

 

Here's an idea. Don't like being held to a standard then sell to China or North Korea, etc. 

 

Oh, is protesting okay now? I mean this does come across as very political. 

These idiots don't get it. The EU isn't "interfering" with Thai business. The fishermen can do what the hell they  like BUT if they do things that the EU doesn't approve of the EU won't buy their product.  It's called the free market dip shits.

 

 

Falang, falang... 

 

Will the Thais have to eat their fish themselves? 

All sweet and innocent - butter wouldn't melt

1 minute ago, SABloke said:

These idiots don't get it. The EU isn't "interfering" with Thai business. The fishermen can do what the hell they  like BUT if they do things that the EU doesn't approve of the EU won't buy their product.  It's called the free market dip shits.

 

 

 

The problem seems to be that they still do not acknowledge that dabbling in slavery was wrong.

 

Maybe a bit of contrition and facing up to what they did would be more helpful rather than trying to blame others.

6 minutes ago, rkidlad said:

YEAH! Boycott those luxury German cars and designer clothes & handbags!

 

Here's an idea. Don't like being held to a standard then sell to China or North Korea, etc. 

 

Oh, is protesting okay now? I mean this does come across as very political. 

Haha, that would be a shot in the foot! Don't know about the designer clothes and handbags, but those Mercedes and BMW sold here are actually manufactured in Thailand...

20 minutes ago, Orac said:

All sweet and innocent - butter wouldn't melt

 

The problem seems to be that they still do not acknowledge that dabbling in slavery was wrong.

 

Maybe a bit of contrition and facing up to what they did would be more helpful rather than trying to blame others.

 

20 minutes ago, Orac said:

All sweet and innocent - butter wouldn't melt

 

The problem seems to be that they still do not acknowledge that dabbling in slavery was wrong.

 

Maybe a bit of contrition and facing up to what they did would be more helpful rather than trying to blame others.

always blame others

"... we will apply our own measures against the EU, such as boycotting goods from the EU ."

20 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Haha, that would be a shot in the foot! Don't know about the designer clothes and handbags, but those Mercedes and BMW sold here are actually manufactured in Thailand...

ah so thats how they get round import duty, didnt know that

20 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Haha, that would be a shot in the foot! Don't know about the designer clothes and handbags, but those Mercedes and BMW sold here are actually manufactured in Thailand...

 

They really do not get it do they....

 

Just because you have been allowed to get away with blatant disregard for the rules in the past does not make your argument suddenly relevant or your crimes any less deserving of punishment

 

It is about time Thailand and her citizens realised the lies they are indoctrinated with since birth are shown for what they are, gotta be cruel to be kind sometimes....

1 hour ago, webfact said:

 “If the EU still interferes with Thai businesses, we will apply our own measures against the EU, such as boycotting goods from the EU or protesting their exploration for natural gas in Thai waters,” he added.

 Thailand already have a 80% import duty on most goods from EU.  Isn´t that almost a boycott?
 

Edited September 21, 20178 yr by Xonax

You can't fix stupid; in other words, you can't fix Thailand !

In 1962 a fisherman could catch as much as 360 Kilo of fish in one hour. Today those fellows catch a bout 18 Kilo within the same time. The IUU fishing has depleted the seas around Thailand, and when these morons keep on fishing, like they did for the last 50 years, then they will never be profitable, even with their cheap slaves working aboard. Greed and stupidity rules, big time. (the numbers are from the Thai fishery department)

1 hour ago, trainman34014 said:

You can't fix stupid; in other words, you can't fix Thailand !

Can I ad

these are some of the same thais that make Thailand 6th worst ocean polluter....learn to respect the ocean first

3 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Haha, that would be a shot in the foot! Don't know about the designer clothes and handbags, but those Mercedes and BMW sold here are actually manufactured in Thailand...

Yes but the know how and plenty parts are imported from Germany. It is mainly done for taxreasons and fully imported cars are more expensive and have a better image. It has  nothing to with Thai car parts are superior to car parts manufactured in Germany. It is only done because of the protectionist import taxes. To gain the tax benefits at least 40% of the parts have to come from inside Thailand. And the cars are not manufactured here only assembled. 

Edited September 21, 20178 yr by hanuman2543

4 hours ago, webfact said:

“This is a clear political game against Thailand, and the EU tried to boycott our government by harming our fishing industry.

playing both the thai nationalism and victim cards; thailand simply cannot play by rules, whether it is at-the-guy-in-the-street level (note thai drivers) or industry scopes;

in the case of the airline industry, it became apparent that passenger safety was of no concern; same in this fishing industry case, human rights means nothing; notice that the protest spokesmen never mentioned them, they are no importance here

Looks like a giant human spot the ball competition !

When they have caught the last fish, they will realize that they can not eat money.

If you want a demonstration of a spontaneous protest, this ain't it. LOL Matching shirts and practised choreography for the camera. Don't think you'll find too many fishermen's hands either. 

Slightly off topic but in keeping with, and replying to a comment made by StayinThailand2much.  Mercedes, BMW, etc., are not manufactured in Thailand.  Instead, they are imported as deconstructed vehicles and are then reconstructed within the country.  This is done for two reasons.  First, it is a cheaper way to import the products and second, it reduces the import tax because otherwise fewer of them would be sold.

Edited September 21, 20178 yr by wotsdermatter

Thailand is where Europe were some decades ago on a lot of issues, resource management included, not just in fishing. (Still EU states have a dismal record).

The problem is not your local fisherman, it's the trawler fleet.

They are scavengers, they(owners, operators,captains etc incl corrupt officials) have no regard for the sustainability of fish stock or the environment at large. Profit only!!!

The authorities should shelter the communal fishing (making sure they use sustainable nets etc) and focus on the Bad Boys in combating unsustainable fishing.

There are reports from  international agencies, analysts and civil society to support the EU allegations. 

Unfortunately, the Big Fish" perpetrators still rule to a large extent!

 

6 hours ago, Xonax said:

 Thailand already have a 80% import duty on most goods from EU.  Isn´t that almost a boycott?
 

Yes you are correct Thais way of making goods from other countries too expensive to buy so competition to local producers is non existent. I just wish the EU would do the same as the Thais then the S>>> would hit the fan. after all what does the EU get from here that cannot be purchased from more friendly countries. Tax Um at face value and do it now EU.

I took the ferry from Donsak on the mainland to Samui last week and saw one fish during the whole crossing, many more plastic bags and plastic bottles.

 

On the same day I also took the ferry from the Andaman Club, Malaysia to the Ranong Pier, thousands of fish and no plastic bags!

17 hours ago, webfact said:

Fishermen in 22 seaside provinces turned out to show their opposition against the EU

They are also showing their opposition against new Thai government laws and regulations that are intended to provide compliance to IUU. As such the "more than five" fishermen are protesting the Thai government - ordinarily an illegal act. Will PM Prayut be political to endure such protests (as he does with the Rubber Farmer Network) or follow (albeit his own) rule of law?

22 hours ago, hanuman2543 said:

And the cars are not manufactured here only assembled. 

Yes, and according to people I spoke to, who bought a Mercedes here, they're doing a bad job in assembling the cars, too.

21 hours ago, wotsdermatter said:

Slightly off topic but in keeping with, and replying to a comment made by StayinThailand2much.  Mercedes, BMW, etc., are not manufactured in Thailand.  Instead, they are imported as deconstructed vehicles and are then reconstructed within the country.  This is done for two reasons.  First, it is a cheaper way to import the products and second, it reduces the import tax because otherwise fewer of them would be sold.

You are right, of course. 

EU sending an indirect message to the coup leaders. An elected government can do better to meet EU compliance. 

Main reason 75% reduction in boats was due to illegal fishing and illegal activities such as illegal workers etc.

Reason they not making much money is find it hard when got do it more legally and also suffering due to regional over fishing and pollution that destroying the livelihood more than EU can lol . regulated or unregulated, EU tellow card or no yellow card the Thai fishing industry going be totally sunk in a decade and as usual Thai's got head in sand and blame everyone but themselves .