Command centre launched for crackdown on illegal fishing
THE NATION

THAILAND yesterday officially launched a command centre set up to crackdown on illegal fishing by Thai fishing vessels. The move is part of the government's response to a warning from the European Union - to lift industry standards or face trade bans.

The EU gave Bangkok six months to show sincere and concrete action in tackling the problems or face a ban on Thai fishing products, which could cost billions of US dollars.

The centre is at the Royal Thai Navy head office in Bangkok and will be overseen by the Navy chief.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the centre would set fishery guidelines for implementation, improve mutual understanding with the EU, as well as coordinate with officials seeking to tackle the illegal fishing and amending fishing laws.

Under the guidelines, fishing boats that are at least 30 gross tonnes are required to keep a logbook record of leaving and entering ports. They also have to install a GPS system to keep track of the vessel's movement.

The log is meant to ensure that the number of personnel on board is the same when the boat returns.

Prawit said he would meet soon with representatives of the EU and would take chance to report on details and the progress of the government's work.

"I also want to know the reasons the EU lifted what they've called 'yellow cards' issued on some countries - what [those countries] did that satisfied the EU on the matter," he said.

As of now the EU has not yet explained to Thailand details about the measure that could get us out of the 'yellow card', he said.

There will be meetings at the new fishing command centre on May 6 and May 18 to follow up on work in progress, Royal Thai Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Kraisorn Chansuwanich said.

A vessel monitoring system (VMS) installed in about 5,000 vessels over 60 tonnes would take time to complete, he said, so he hoped the EU would understand. Cooperations from fishing boats was also vital, he said. There are about 30,000 fishing boats in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.

Meanwhile, the Navy rounded up three fishing boats off Koh Kra in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, all registered in Vietnam, for allegedly fishing in Thai water with no permit.

The arrests were made after Thai fishing boats alerted the Navy at Songkhla about the Vietnamese boats. Later, the three boats and 15 crewmen were escorted to Songkhla, where they were charged with illegal entry and fishing without a licence.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok will be contacted about their arrest. Police quoted a captain from one vessel as saying that they were from Ca Mau province in Vietnam and that he knew he was fishing in Thai waters.

Some 64 Vietnamese vessels have been arrested for illegal fishing in Thai waters since last September.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Command-centre-launched-for-crackdown-on-illegal-f-30259191.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-02

Really it would take time? Bet if you said that there boat couldn't leave port without a working GPS on board all boats would have them installed by Friday.

Thais are good at talking!

Thais are good at talking!

OH HOW I AGREE. Seems like all we hear is talk, talk, and more talk. Action is very much lacking along with follow through and consistency. Honestly I'm starting to believe Thais - especially govt etc. believe if they say or propose something it will magically happen "mission accomplished."

How a/b they state what has been initiated/accomplished. And better yet who has been arrested. LOL now that would be something eh? Rule of Law in Thailand????? LOL ahhhhhh I crack myself up sometimes. :-)

"I also want to know the reasons the EU lifted what they've called 'yellow cards' issued on some countries - what [those countries] did that satisfied the EU on the matter," he said.
As of now the EU has not yet explained to Thailand details about the measure that could get us out of the 'yellow card', he said.

When all else fails, turn to the internet, all your questions will be answered.

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/illegal_fishing/info/index_en.htm

So now they begin erecting the smoke and mirrors in order to hide their truly inept and despicable activities.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the centre would set fishery guidelines for implementation, improve mutual understanding with the EU, as well as coordinate with officials seeking to tackle the illegal fishing and amending fishing laws.

So is he admitting that the fishing industry doesn't adhere to current laws and guidelines? Thailand and the EU certainly do have a mutual understanding ... the EU certainly understands the practices of the Thai fishing industry and how Thai Officials either turn a blind eye to human trafficking and slavery or are an integral part of it and the Thais are now fully understand that the EU is aware. Time for a BAN!

"I also want to know the reasons the EU lifted what they've called 'yellow cards' issued on some countries - what [those countries] did that satisfied the EU on the matter," he said.

Ah, let me think ... may be they changed their ways and enforced the laws to prevent or significantly reduce illegal fishing, human trafficking and slavery? Looks like he wants to find out so that he can find a way to wiggle Thailand's way out of yet more human rights atrocities.

As of now the EU has not yet explained to Thailand details about the measure that could get us out of the 'yellow card', he said.

Are you serious? You know EXACTLY why the EU issued a Yellow Card and if you don't there's something seriously wrong with your head.

From the OP it remains obvious that Thailand is corrupt to the core and nothing is likely to change it until the country is brought to its knees ... come on EU impose the ban for if you don't illegal fishing, human trafficking and slavery with continue to thrive due to their unrelenting greed.

Thaispeak....

"launched a command centre set up to crackdown on illegal fishing....." created a few new jobs for the boys: don't expect anything more.

"As of now the EU has not yet explained to Thailand details about the measure that could get us out of the 'yellow card'"....... they keep using long words...

All pure BS to ensure that Thailand can can continue its despicable track record of human rights abuse.

The log is meant to ensure that the number of personnel on board is the same when the boat returns.

Not quite sure if this will be enough to quash the "anti-trafficking" problem.. a hand written log made by the Captain who of course "never lies" !!!!

They haven't arrested AND convicted even one boat owner or captain for kidnapping, abuse etc. They haven't suggested huge fines and closure of business involved in severe violations of the law. All these measures suggested are useless, because of all the corruption in Thailand. The only thing that helps is severe punishments of ALL (yes, including the seafood barons of Thailand) for involvent in legal activities. Until that happens, the measures are a joke, and Thailand should NOT escape sanctions.

If they avoid sanctions, it will be business as usual, with human trafficking, abuse and overfishing.

using section 44 the problem would be solved within one month...if they want!

Amazing, The 2010 "crackdown" is now being called a security action, as crackdown is deemed far to strenuous a word, so this fishing industry "crackdown" is latter going to be changed and called an security action also? how about the street food vendors "crackdown"? the government and police corruption "crackdown"? How about using a different word for these things, or just stop playing semantics and spin and call it what it was, and this as it is : token effort and lip service, re-active not pro-active.