Prayut says Section 44 not enough to resolve long standing fishing industry problem

[Lite Beer]

Prayut says Section 44 not enough to resolve long standing fishing industry problem

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has conceded that Section 44 that grants him emergency powers under the interim constitution will not be able to resolve the illegal fishing within the time frame demanded by the European Union, reasoning that the problem has been long standing and needs to be resolved in the broader perspective that will take more than six months.

The prime minister said Section 44 is just a tool to facilitate working, but not enough to resolve the problem.

Prayuth’s admittance came after he has earlier stated that he would use Section 44 of the interim charter to resolve the problem within the six-month time frame.

The European Union has on April 21 announced that Thailand has six months to institute new measures to counter illegal fishing, or else face a potential import ban that will cost Thailand at least 20 billion baht in lost revenue.

Thailand is the world’s third-largest exporter of seafood.

But at last night “Returning Happiness to the the People” programme broadcast on nationwide TV networks, the military junta chairman admitted that Section 44 will not be adequate to fix the problems in the fishing industry.

“I cannot use Article 44 to solve every problem, I cannot use it to solve expensive lemons, to solve the economy or to solve the ICAO aviation safety concern problem. Section 44 is just for allowing military officers to do what they could not do in the past.”

Gen Prayut said Thailand has to accept the yellow card penalty on its fishing industry which has not been resolved for a long time and he also could not guarantee it could be resolved within the EU’s required time frame.

He said there still has problems of unregistered fishing boats and business operstirs still employ illegal migrant workers to work.

These problems needed cooperation from all parties all sides to help, as well as assessment from outsiders, he said.

But he assured that his government would try to resolve these problems.

He said he would set up centers in different ports and assign soldiers and police to guard them.

“Each ship that comes and goes must cooperate with us. That is how I will use Section 44. If they leave without reporting, if they don’t know where their crew are, that’s wrong, and that’s what causes the problem that gives me headaches every day.”

This is how Section 44 is used constructively, he said and asked the people not to worry about Section 44 so much.

Gen Prayut admitted that the fishing problem was quite heavy but remained hopeful that EU will sympathise with Thailand’s effort and will give him a chance to improve.

“I think there’s hope that we may improve in the time they set for us. But it depends on all of us,” he said.

Prime Minister Prayut also reported progress on tackling forest encroaches saying the government has reclaimed more than 35 million rai of illegally-owned forest areas.

He said the forest areas which were seized back would be revived and parts of them would be set aside for landless people.

But he stressed that those allowed to use the allocated land were prohibited from sell them.

They are required to pledge their assets or agricultural yields to obtain the right to land use, he said.

He said his government has so far handed more than 100,000 rai of confiscated land to farmers in 12 provinces and has planned to allot another 50,000 rai to those in 17 provinces this year

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/prayut-says-section-44-not-enough-to-resolve-long-standing-fishing-industry-problem

-- Thai PBS 2015-04-25

[Costas2008]

Are you listening to me members?

The EU, will impose a ban on exports from Thailand in 6 months.

I keep saying that over and over again.

Even our PM, has realised that by now.

Good for him.......he's learning..................

[Anthony5]

“I cannot use Article 44 to solve every problem, I cannot use it to solve expensive lemons, to solve the economy or to solve the ICAO aviation safety concern problem.

Strange because only 3 weeks ago it would be possible to solve the aviation woes. So even unlimited powers isn't enough to enable this guy to solve anything

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814617-article-44-to-fix-aviation-woes-prayut/?p=9266755

Article 44 to fix aviation woes: Prayut

[EnzoRippo]

Typical of the Junta logic. Why Junta wants to solve the fishing industry problem is NOT compassion with the slaves or stop the Thai boats owners. This is :

1- because European nations rumble.

2 - Junta has headache.

[Local Drunk]

Are you listening to me members?

The EU, will impose a ban on exports from Thailand in 6 months.

I keep saying that over and over again.

Even our PM, has realised that by now.

Good for him.......he's learning..................

It's the fishing industry that needs to learn something... In seven months time they could all be going broke. They better wake up.

[rubl]

Typical of the Junta logic. Why Junta wants to solve the fishing industry problem is NOT compassion with the slaves or stop the Thai boats owners. This is :

1- because European nations rumble.

2 - Junta has headache.

A bit unfair. It's more "Thai government" logic, or maybe just Thai logic.

Still without a need to have 'political' compromises the relevant Ministries could make a multi-year plan to tackle the problem (which may be just enforcing existing laws) and discuss such plan with the EU. Especially when the execution of the plan is started this year the EU would probably be lenient enough to put new measures against Thailand on hold. IMHO

[BuckBee]

Hopefully the EU will cripple them, it the only way they will learn, even Prayut is just all mouth & the big corruption still goes on with no intention to be stopped.

the only way Thai's learn is through loss of money so bring it on EU and teach these idiots something.

[ExPratt]

Section 44 not good enough ? I Hope to God that doesn't mean we are destined to go to SECTION 45

[ourmanflint]

Yet again I am impressed by the General. He knows the scope of his powers and what he can and cannot do with them. The Thai people have a choice, stick with the general for a while longer in the hope that he can start to solve some of Thailand's deeply engrained problems, or have quick elections and see life return to normal and everything can carry on as before.

[Linky]

Yet again I am impressed by the General. He knows the scope of his powers and what he can and cannot do with them. The Thai people have a choice, stick with the general for a while longer in the hope that he can start to solve some of Thailand's deeply engrained problems, or have quick elections and see life return to normal and everything can carry on as before.

No the Thai people do NOT have a choice. That is the problem.

[rubl]

Yet again I am impressed by the General. He knows the scope of his powers and what he can and cannot do with them. The Thai people have a choice, stick with the general for a while longer in the hope that he can start to solve some of Thailand's deeply engrained problems, or have quick elections and see life return to normal and everything can carry on as before.

No the Thai people do NOT have a choice. That is the problem.

Even if we assume that before the May, 2014 coup the Thai people had a choice it would seem that choice was to do nothing except from stating that 'this time we will really do something'

Edited April 25, 2015 by rubl

[NeilSA1]

Typical of the Junta logic. Why Junta wants to solve the fishing industry problem is NOT compassion with the slaves or stop the Thai boats owners. This is :

1- because European nations rumble.

2 - Junta has headache.

Typical of most governments, in general ?

Fishing problem is to be resolved for the ultimate benefit of the country.

[NeilSA1]

Hopefully the EU will cripple them, it the only way they will learn, even Prayut is just all mouth & the big corruption still goes on with no intention to be stopped.

the only way Thai's learn is through loss of money so bring it on EU and teach these idiots something.

Do you live in Thailand, or are you saying this because any potential bans will not effect you?

[NeverSure]

Hopefully the EU will cripple them, it the only way they will learn, even Prayut is just all mouth & the big corruption still goes on with no intention to be stopped.

the only way Thai's learn is through loss of money so bring it on EU and teach these idiots something.

Do you live in Thailand, or are you saying this because any potential bans will not effect you?

Maybe he cares about people who are slaves. Maybe he cares about human trafficking.

Do you?

[Strangebrew]

Mr PM, put section 44 to good use Yes Thailand has many problems One being is This issue on taking jobs from Thai's Maybe if you allowed those Farangs the right To say pickup thrash on the beaches and put in plastic bags to be picked up by Thai's for recycle or dumped maybe the beaches and road sides would be cleaner and retired farangs can give back to the place they love and in return they get exercise they need. Farangs live in fear of doing something as simple as picking up a discarded plastic bottle for fear it will be seen as work. When it is meant as respect for where they are. Yes we are different but we can learn from each other by setting an example. If Thai's see farangs doing it then they will do it soon Thailand is clean then tourism goes up.

[BuckBee]

Hopefully the EU will cripple them, it the only way they will learn, even Prayut is just all mouth & the big corruption still goes on with no intention to be stopped.

the only way Thai's learn is through loss of money so bring it on EU and teach these idiots something.

Do you live in Thailand, or are you saying this because any potential bans will not effect you?

The situation effects all of us, poor fishing techniques, cheap labour/slavery & the general corruption & lies that back these greed obsessed people is the root cause of most issues in thailand so ultimately it will be for the good. Same issues with flight safety, loads of talk for years & once flights restricted things happen. Greedy thais only worship money so hurt that & you get things done.

[issanaus]

Are you listening to me members?

The EU, will impose a ban on exports from Thailand in 6 months.

I keep saying that over and over again.

Even our PM, has realised that by now.

Good for him.......he's learning..................

The EU can ban imports - they can not regulate exports from a non member country.

[bob4you]

Use section 44 to go after the big fish that are really netting the profits. Then scale and filet them and deep fry them.

[nidieunimaitre]

Are you listening to me members?

The EU, will impose a ban on exports from Thailand in 6 months.

I keep saying that over and over again.

Even our PM, has realised that by now.

Good for him.......he's learning..................

Yes let's dream on.

One day, Das Militar all over the world will learn that a "Command Economy" does not work.

Of course they will then blame it on subversive saboteurs.

[rubl]

Are you listening to me members?

The EU, will impose a ban on exports from Thailand in 6 months.

I keep saying that over and over again.

Even our PM, has realised that by now.

Good for him.......he's learning..................

Yes let's dream on.

One day, Das Militar all over the world will learn that a "Command Economy" does not work.

Of course they will then blame it on subversive saboteurs.

A God and Master less economy doesn't work well either. Blame it on not having been able to get rid of those and be surprised that even then it still doesn't work.

Oh by the way, PM Prayut seems to agree that only 'commands' don't work. The cooperation of people involved is also required.

Edited April 25, 2015 by rubl

[Suffinator]

Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has conceded that Section 44 that grants him emergency powers under the interim constitution will not be able to resolve the illegal fishing within the time frame demanded by the European Union, reasoning that the problem has been long standing and needs to be resolved in the broader perspective that will take more than six months.

Loosely translated ... there's nothing I can do because if I start digging up the dirt on them they'll dig up the dirt on me .. quid pro quo.

So now that he's finally admitted that despite his so-called 'unlimited powers' he's now acknowledging the depth of corruption, human trafficking, human slavery and murder. I wonder how he is going to pitch this to the EU in order to provide an extension?

The only decent and humane action here is for the EU to impose a ban which will likely be followed by the US. It's time to squeeze the corrupt and murderous individuals where it hurts money ... stop the flow of money.

[nidieunimaitre]

Can we perhaps merge this thread with the other currently running thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/819998-prayut-confident-thailand-will-meet-eu-fishery-deadline/ "prayut confident etc"

Would be good for a laugh.

Perhaps there are 2 generals and 2 fishing problems in 2 Thailands?

Edited April 25, 2015 by nidieunimaitre

[Local Drunk]

Hopefully the EU will cripple them, it the only way they will learn, even Prayut is just all mouth & the big corruption still goes on with no intention to be stopped.

the only way Thai's learn is through loss of money so bring it on EU and teach these idiots something.

Sound's more like you want to teach the General a lesson more than any concern you have about corruption. ? Why don't you tell him that to his face?

[nidieunimaitre]

Hopefully the EU will cripple them, it the only way they will learn, even Prayut is just all mouth & the big corruption still goes on with no intention to be stopped.

the only way Thai's learn is through loss of money so bring it on EU and teach these idiots something.

Sound's more like you want to teach the General a lesson more than any concern you have about corruption. ? Why don't you tell him that to his face?

? because he has a gun?

[Always18]

The poor dear gets headaches...................the rotten blighter that forced him into this job deserves a damn good thrashing!

[Srikcir]

Are you listening to me members?

The EU, will impose a ban on exports from Thailand in 6 months.

I keep saying that over and over again.

Even our PM, has realised that by now.

Good for him.......he's learning..................

What General Prayut is learning is that it is one thing to conquer the Thai people by military force than it is to conquer the rest of the world. Now maybe he can begin to learn to accept blame for failing the Thai people on the nation's economy. Then he can gracefully exit government office.

[Your Thainess]

The supposed connection between his 'constitutional' powers and regulating and enforcing laws in the fishing industry is flimsy at best. He's at such a loss for how to justify such sweeping powers that he'll claim almost any justification now. Trying to convince the public that Art. 44 is actually less of a stranglehold on the country than it really is...perhaps a clever tactic. I guess between the people who believe everything they are told and the minority who back this guy and his mates, it might just work.

[issanaus]

Are you listening to me members?

The EU, will impose a ban on exports from Thailand in 6 months.

I keep saying that over and over again.

Even our PM, has realised that by now.

Good for him.......he's learning..................

It's the fishing industry that needs to learn something... In seven months time they could all be going broke. They better wake up.

The government can regulate conduct within its jurisdiction area - theoretical it can regulate conduct on vessels with Thai registration - but many of the boats do not have registration of where they were registered the registration has expired. One of the things the government can do is to provide other countries with the current registration of the Thai boats. The development of international agreements such as being developed with Indonesia will be crucial.

As stated by the PM article does not provide him with the power to do every thing and is further restricted by the extent to which the government is prepared to use it, If the PM uses it to its full potential then he will be accused of oppression, it he does any less then people will still criticise him.

As you stated it is time for the Industry to wake up to the realities if the situation. They are the major cause of the situation and they have the ability to make changes in the short term that will help to address the situation. If the buyer. processor and exporters were to take joint action the potential to make major improvements would be there, Refusing to buy fish from fishing organisation would hit the hip pockets of the worst offenders without causing an industry collapse that would impact the hardest on the poor, week and vulnerable.

Business internalise benefits and externalise cost as a matter of normal operation - the Thai fishing industry is a prime example of this. It would prefer that the government under took all the actions and bore all the costs. The PM statement that Article 44 alone will not fix all the issues would appear to be a shot across the bow of the industry telling them that they need to step up, however it will still need to play a large role in regulation and enforcement.

I believe that the EU is well aware of some of the dangers in banning imports (not exports - Costa, 55) include hurting those who they would claim to be trying to protect. It also makes very possible that sections of the Thai industry will relocate to other countries taking the problems and practices with them.

[Local Drunk]

Yet again I am impressed by the General. He knows the scope of his powers and what he can and cannot do with them. The Thai people have a choice, stick with the general for a while longer in the hope that he can start to solve some of Thailand's deeply engrained problems, or have quick elections and see life return to normal and everything can carry on as before.

No the Thai people do NOT have a choice. That is the problem.

Considering their past attempts at democracy... do you think they deserve a choice?

[BestBitterPhuket]

Hopefully the EU will cripple them, it the only way they will learn, even Prayut is just all mouth & the big corruption still goes on with no intention to be stopped.

the only way Thai's learn is through loss of money so bring it on EU and teach these idiots something.

Do you live in Thailand, or are you saying this because any potential bans will not effect you?

Maybe he cares about people who are slaves. Maybe he cares about human trafficking.

Do you?

Perhaps he cares about cheap seafood, regardless if it required the toil of thousands of tortured slaves.