Phuket warned human-trafficking record may result in European ban on seafood

[webfact]

Phuket warned human-trafficking record may result in European ban on seafood
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Any deterioration in Thailand’s human-trafficking record may lead to a European ban on importing seafood from the Kingdom, Phuket Marine Police were warned yesterday.

The message was delivered at a seminar intended to remind local Marine Police and those involved in Phuket’s fishing industry of the legal obligations to be upheld regarding human trafficking.

The seminar, headed by visiting senior prosecutor Kittipong Teeranatthapong, was held at the Phuket Marine Police Station in Phuket Town.

“The European Union has an index for nations whose fishing industries are corrupted by human trafficking. Under the system, Q1 is Good, Q2 is Medium and Q3 is Bad,” Marine Police Region 8 Deputy Superintendent Lt Col Prasert Srikunrat explained to his officers.

“Right now Thailand qualifies as Q2, but that might drop to Q3 in the future. That will affect our fishing product exports because Europe will say no to them if the situation worsens,” he said.

“We want the European Union to have more confidence in Thailand, so we have to raise our standards and really prove that we take a strong line against human trafficking,” Col Prasert added.

“We want to make sure that Phuket does not have any human trafficking corrupting the fishing industry here,” he affirmed.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-warned-human-trafficking-record-may-result-in-European-ban-on-seafood-21903.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-08-09

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Does this refer to using illegal labor on fishing vessels? Such as regional minorities, including those under 18?

It says Human Trafficking, but wouldn't it be closer to People Smuggling and working illegally in Thailand?

(Human trafficking typically refers to the moving of people under force or coercion)

So I guess this is yet another local newspaper article that I don't fully understand, or at least raises more questions than it answers.

[Thai at Heart]

Until a ban comes into place, nothing will change.

[RickeyParkany]

This, in reply to the US State Dept. chastising Thailand for it's poor record on the global, human trafficking crisis and as reported in this forum, yesterday... *A pot calling the kettle 'black'*, IMHO...much more effective, efficient, & morally upright to cut off the demand side for these poor, unfortunate souls, merely grist for the Corporate Mills, they... ;-} rap.
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/news/more-human-trafficking-lawsuits-filed-against-signal-international

[simple1]

The bigger picture is Thailand trying not to be on the US Tier 3 watchlist next year; Tier 3 penalties are listed below. However that does not mean that food such as seafood will be banned from importing into the US which is Thailands largest market for seafood.

http://www.seafoodsource.com/newsarticledetail.aspx?id=15616

For the EU it's appears to be mainly about potential consumer boycots and legal action seeking banning of some Thai seafood imports by European seafood competitors.

Penalties for Tier 3 Countries

Pursuant to the TVPA, governments of countries on Tier 3 may be subject to certain sanctions, whereby the U.S. government may withhold or withdraw nonhumanitarian, non-trade-related foreign assistance. In addition, countries on Tier 3 may not receive funding for government employees’ participation in educational and cultural exchange programs. Consistent with the TVPA, governments subject to sanctions would also face U.S. opposition to assistance (except for humanitarian, trade-related, and certain development-related assistance) from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Edited August 9, 2013 by simple1

[retell]

great news from a small voice

think the EU is more concerned with the samet oil problem

but indeed human trafficking eg illigals working on the fishing boats in slavery like conditions

is bad ,, let them have a look at Holland where that is normal to be put to work with a highly underpaid "salary"

Edited August 9, 2013 by retell

[Zpete]

great news from a small voice

think the EU is more concerned with the samet oil problem

but indeed human trafficking eg illigals working on the fishing boats in slavery like conditions

is bad ,, let them have a look at Holland where that is normal to be put to work with a highly underpaid "salary"

Koreans do it using Indonesians in New Zealand fishing waters.

Gummint trying to stop it.

Some boats have been arrested.

[JulesMad]

Better start with a "European Ban on Phuket" !!!

That is the only thing that would have some effect!

[LeeThayer]

I smell another hub!!!

[Muirton]

Amazing Thailand, indeed, uses slaves with gusto by land and by sea. The evidences are massive.

[ableguy]

Does this refer to using illegal labor on fishing vessels? Such as regional minorities, including those under 18?

It says Human Trafficking, but wouldn't it be closer to People Smuggling and working illegally in Thailand?

(Human trafficking typically refers to the moving of people under force or coercion)

So I guess this is yet another local newspaper article that I don't fully understand, or at least raises more questions than it answers.

A lot of these guys are forced to work for months with no pay under coercion

[belg]

it should read

kidnapping and forced slave labour

[Colabamumbai]

So those who are being trafficked should not be carrying seafood? Confusing.