Thai fishery exports: EU's motive behind yellow card queried

[arrowsdawdle]

Even when we are at fault it's really all down to others for not understanding and being unfair.

Pesky foreigners just cannot understand that Thai fishing is different, just like Thai electricity.

[chumpy]

So while they are still digging up mass graves in the South, this fine gentleman feels the need to ventilate his frustration over his loss of income? Sad, very sad.

I know I shouldn't, but deep down I kind of hope there will be a ban from both the US and Europe.

I totally agree,if the EU does implement sanctions there might be some kind of reprisals against foreigners though.

It would have been very nice if the people in charge of the fishery industry were to take a more positive approach.like yes this was unsustainable and this now is an opportunity to clean up our act,teach the fishermen about how they would all benefit from a non destructive form of fishing etc,in the end it's win win for everybody.

But then basically what the fishery department guy is saying is that they need slave labour and fishing methods that destroy everything in order to make a profit.

This does not sound very good

[Thai at Heart]

So while they are still digging up mass graves in the South, this fine gentleman feels the need to ventilate his frustration over his loss of income? Sad, very sad.

I know I shouldn't, but deep down I kind of hope there will be a ban from both the US and Europe.

I totally agree,if the EU does implement sanctions there might be some kind of reprisals against foreigners though.

It would have been very nice if the people in charge of the fishery industry were to take a more positive approach.like yes this was unsustainable and this now is an opportunity to clean up our act,teach the fishermen about how they would all benefit from a non destructive form of fishing etc,in the end it's win win for everybody.

But then basically what the fishery department guy is saying is that they need slave labour and fishing methods that destroy everything in order to make a profit.

This does not sound very good

I suggest this idiot go and work on a ship for a week and see if he agrees with keeping the status quo.

[lvr181]

Even when we are at fault it's really all down to others for not understanding and being unfair.

Pesky foreigners just cannot understand that Thai fishing is different, just like Thai electricity.

[arrowsdawdle]

I agree something drastic needs to be done in Thailand.

However, should the ban go into effect, to be sure, seafood prices in Europe will increase dramatically

and many fat cats will reap a whirlwind of money.

I don't understand if the prices are driven up by compliance to a fair, just and environmentally acceptable fishing industry. Profits will still be there but probably not as massive as when over fishing and using slave labour.

Also if demand is reduced by high prices the prices will come down or the catch will be reduced.

Thai businessmen are not affected by reduced demand, they simply raise their prices when business slows down.

[laislica]

So while they are still digging up mass graves in the South, this fine gentleman feels the need to ventilate his frustration over his loss of income? Sad, very sad.

I know I shouldn't, but deep down I kind of hope there will be a ban from both the US and Europe.

I totally agree,if the EU does implement sanctions there might be some kind of reprisals against foreigners though.

It would have been very nice if the people in charge of the fishery industry were to take a more positive approach.like yes this was unsustainable and this now is an opportunity to clean up our act,teach the fishermen about how they would all benefit from a non destructive form of fishing etc,in the end it's win win for everybody.

But then basically what the fishery department guy is saying is that they need slave labour and fishing methods that destroy everything in order to make a profit.

This does not sound very good

I agree with you but my comment is that he requires MAXIMUM profit for minimum cost! (Material and Human!)

[khunianb]

This article reflects the major problem in Thailand - a total inability for intellectual reasoning!

The official admits that they have problems but complains that they are being pushed to comply with International obligations regarding human slavery and illegal fishing, and tries to divert blame to spurious reasons around the junta when there is plenty of evidence that Thailand does not comply with basic obligations. They want profit at any costs and don't care about human rights and environmental considerations.

It is like dealing with a bunch of juvenile delinquents. And when they try and lie and scam their way out of it the EU should bring the hammer down hard.

[Baerboxer]

Yes, it is protectionism. The EU is economically and politically corrupt. It's membership economies are in shambles. You can sanction Thailand for participation in human trafficking, but using environmentally unsound fishing practices is a farce.

Perhaps, but the EU has gone after this aggressively in their own backyard recently. After years of nothing being done. They have taken some tough actions. And not popular ones, especially with the wealthy fishing barons. But they did it. And Thailand needs to do the same.

Thailand has known about this for years and done nothing. The world is tired of talk and wants action. Can't blame them???

And how many of these "fishing barons" have been prosecuted and brought to justice in the EU?

The Irish and British Navy were always catching Spanish trawlers illegally fishing, with the odd Dutch vessel too. I seriously doubt Spain, Italy, Greece and even France enforce all the EU fishing regulations on their fleets.

The EU has caught the US habit - do as we say, not as we do.

[Tony125]

"Praporn warned that even if Thailand succeeded in improving its fishery standards, it could mean a 20 to 30 per cent rise in the cost of marine produce and could in effect make Thail fisheries not competitive enough. It could even reduce the level of profits."

No kidding ! When you have to pay fishermen to fish instead of using slaves to work for nothing it will put a dent in your profits. Either do it or face real dent in profits when EU and USA won't buy any of your products and the real danger there is that if they look for alternative sources say Philippines Viet-nam, ect they may never come back to Thailand.

Similar thing happened in USA with automobile manufacturing years ago. Steel companies kept raising price of steel for the auto's so companies started using aluminum and plastic more. Cost the steel companies a lot as they never sold as much to the auto companies again.

[klauskunkel]

"Thai official questions EU's motives over crackdown on fishing industry"

otoh, EU questions Thai officials motives for questioning EU:

"It could be protectionism. They should not have set such a deadline. I am also worried that it may also have to do with the [military government's roadmap to return democracy] and pressuring of the military," said Praporn. "What agenda do they have?"

EU answer: Our agenda is fairly simple. After numerous warnings over numerous years with no results, we are now trying to pry out the bureaucratic thumb from the bureaucratic behind. The difficulties we are facing are: the thumb has been lodged too long and too deep in the behind and will need surgery, then a new thumb has to be cloned and taught it's proper place (not in the behind), finally other organs need to be prevented from taking up residence in the vacated behind (nose, tongue and other inappropriate instruments).

The military government is not part of the agenda, they just happen to be in power and now have to deal with the atrophied bureaucracy. Tough luck.

Anything else you like to know Mr. Praporn? BTW, where is your thumb?

[laislica]

Yes, it is protectionism. The EU is economically and politically corrupt. It's membership economies are in shambles. You can sanction Thailand for participation in human trafficking, but using environmentally unsound fishing practices is a farce.

Perhaps, but the EU has gone after this aggressively in their own backyard recently. After years of nothing being done. They have taken some tough actions. And not popular ones, especially with the wealthy fishing barons. But they did it. And Thailand needs to do the same.

Thailand has known about this for years and done nothing. The world is tired of talk and wants action. Can't blame them???

And how many of these "fishing barons" have been prosecuted and brought to justice in the EU?

The Irish and British Navy were always catching Spanish trawlers illegally fishing, with the odd Dutch vessel too. I seriously doubt Spain, Italy, Greece and even France enforce all the EU fishing regulations on their fleets.

The EU has caught the US habit - do as we say, not as we do.

Please explain more - How does your post contribute anything to the OP?

[Baerboxer]

This article reflects the major problem in Thailand - a total inability for intellectual reasoning!

The official admits that they have problems but complains that they are being pushed to comply with International obligations regarding human slavery and illegal fishing, and tries to divert blame to spurious reasons around the junta when there is plenty of evidence that Thailand does not comply with basic obligations. They want profit at any costs and don't care about human rights and environmental considerations.

It is like dealing with a bunch of juvenile delinquents. And when they try and lie and scam their way out of it the EU should bring the hammer down hard.

Many years ago the EU introduced regulations requiring that any products derived from hoofed animals must be accompanied by a certificate to show the slaughter house which killed the animal and that this slaughter house had been inspected and was free from disease, bad practices, met standards etc. The certificates required authorizing and stamping by a qualified vet. One of my suppliers told me this simply created a side industry producing the certificates and then vets were paid to authorize and stamp them.

No checks, nothing changed - but the vets made some extra money, the factory owners squeezed the workers, the EU paper shufflers were happy and everything continued.

The only Thai thought on this was a) how can we get round or satisfy it with minimum effort and how can we get any cost back or better still make some extra profit.

The reasons behind it, why it was necessary, actual compliance never entered their heads.

[Baerboxer]

Yes, it is protectionism. The EU is economically and politically corrupt. It's membership economies are in shambles. You can sanction Thailand for participation in human trafficking, but using environmentally unsound fishing practices is a farce.

Perhaps, but the EU has gone after this aggressively in their own backyard recently. After years of nothing being done. They have taken some tough actions. And not popular ones, especially with the wealthy fishing barons. But they did it. And Thailand needs to do the same.

Thailand has known about this for years and done nothing. The world is tired of talk and wants action. Can't blame them???

And how many of these "fishing barons" have been prosecuted and brought to justice in the EU?

The Irish and British Navy were always catching Spanish trawlers illegally fishing, with the odd Dutch vessel too. I seriously doubt Spain, Italy, Greece and even France enforce all the EU fishing regulations on their fleets.

The EU has caught the US habit - do as we say, not as we do.

Please explain more - How does your post contribute anything to the OP?

What's it got to do with you?

[Graham8888]

Protectionism? Pot, kettle, black.

Yes protectionism ?! in a country where you can only own 49% of a business or a home if you are from anywhere other than Thailand but Thais can freely own 100% of both in most of Europe . You couldn't make it up. Anything that equals loss of profit or face and it's time to start crying .......... Man up and get on with the job

[laislica]

This article reflects the major problem in Thailand - a total inability for intellectual reasoning!

The official admits that they have problems but complains that they are being pushed to comply with International obligations regarding human slavery and illegal fishing, and tries to divert blame to spurious reasons around the junta when there is plenty of evidence that Thailand does not comply with basic obligations. They want profit at any costs and don't care about human rights and environmental considerations.

It is like dealing with a bunch of juvenile delinquents. And when they try and lie and scam their way out of it the EU should bring the hammer down hard.

Many years ago the EU introduced regulations requiring that any products derived from hoofed animals must be accompanied by a certificate to show the slaughter house which killed the animal and that this slaughter house had been inspected and was free from disease, bad practices, met standards etc. The certificates required authorizing and stamping by a qualified vet. One of my suppliers told me this simply created a side industry producing the certificates and then vets were paid to authorize and stamp them.

No checks, nothing changed - but the vets made some extra money, the factory owners squeezed the workers, the EU paper shufflers were happy and everything continued.

The only Thai thought on this was a) how can we get round or satisfy it with minimum effort and how can we get any cost back or better still make some extra profit.

The reasons behind it, why it was necessary, actual compliance never entered their heads.

Thanks for the explanation.

Corruption is everywhere in the world.

However, it is more open in Thailand than many places so maybe that's why it feels so bad?

[edhart]

soon there be no fish problem solved ,thats no just thailand ,in my life fish was so cheap ,look at the prices today in the west

[mango66]

Funny !

First he say all with Thai fishery is in order and fine;

( only political motives and protection )

Than he say 6 months is too short - SO IT IS NOT FINE; AND THEY CANT STOPP TRAFFICING IN 6 MONTHS

( he says too many people involved - he mean too many people involved who live from the bribs and trafficing;

Than he says EU standards are fine and they can't reach them in 6 months

Than he says no problem, forget EU and take other markets in middler East -

Yes of cause, they need the trafficed fish which they catch from Burma in their country very well,

they will pay very well and will not claim human rights;

So, if you dont need the EU market, and like fish trafficing with middel ist,

why than cry foul on EU ??

You agreed to do bad,

than do it with others, but not with EU !

We have Political and moral standards,

and our - most ofthem, inspectors are not bribeable,

even not after a visit of soi Nana or Cowboy !!

[johna]

Praporn admits they have been trying for years to solve this problem, the EU should have demanded action a long time ago

[Pompey50]

It is quite simple. Thailand have been warned for years about the bad and in fact hugely damaging fishing practices for years same with the slavery on their boats. This problem has been highlighted for years and despite repeated promises to do something about i,t they have failed to act. So pressure..........yes. Reasonable.......Yes!

As for selling sea food in the middle east. They already have their own markets and suppliers. And their markets are a lot more protected than those of the EU. Additionally a good Muslim will not eat prawns as they are forbidden in the Koran!

The EU is not the only country warning them about the slavery, the US has issued warnings as well. I can see this all coming to a head this yea,r and Thailand could well get downgraded (again) by the US as they have failed to tackle the slavery.

[Muirton]

Protectionism? I didn't know the EU produced mega tons of prawns. Learn something new every day!

Yes, Thailand has the brains, Europe the prawn. Or something.

[Equalizer]

a yellow card for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. It could even reduce the level of profits. No shit sherlock! So would breaking into a bank vault and not taking any cash.

[Doc46]

There is no politics behind this,,It is jus wrong and Thailand does not want to lose face so they blame everything on EU .Even when they are wrong they will find a way to pas the buck.

[micmichd]

Europeans are permanently trafficking Thai women. What rights do they have to complain?

[laislica]

Another quiet day then?

Edited May 7, 2015 by laislica

[Ulic]

That's right nothing to see here, move along, no problems here, 20 years + 6 months is not enough

time to fix a problem that does not exist. Europe should just focus on Greece, Ukraine and migrants

in the Mediterranean. Nothing to worry about in Thailand. No fishing issues, no human trafficking

issues, no government corruption issues, move along, nothing for you to be concerned about here.

[clockman]

Just read Reuters special report from 2013 Thailand Rohingya. This says it all.

[Lupatria]

Europeans are permanently trafficking Thai women. What rights do they have to complain?

Go fishing! Preferable as a slave worker on a Thai trawler!

[Johnny S]

Cant make this up - simply too ridiculous, amazing ....

[Thaddeus]

Europeans are permanently trafficking Thai women. What rights do they have to complain?

The prawns don't want to go.

[butch333]

and this man is politician , oaw . i hope that the world will see how thailand work , i hope journalist will show the real face of thailand to the rest of the world and see how thailand is selfish unrespectable xenophobe racist with not one once of education . they don't like to lose the face , it's time for thailand to get a good strong slap in the face . after what this man say, he's the high responsable of the fishing industry in thailand , after critiseize EU and USA , EU and USA will give a immediatly red card on all the importations coming from thailand , IMMEDIATLY . forget about 6 months . it seems that not any intentions to resolve the problems . let them try to sale their dirty products to africa . inform your populations about the real face of thailand , let see the world about " thainess " . they don't want to change cause they think that thailand is number one in the world , best culture , best food , best education , best everything . close the customs of EU and USA like they do for all the goods coming from outside . he speak about protectionism , big joke from a polician of a country who make outrageous protectionism . put their face in their own shit to make them understand ( even do tthis will not make them understand ) . let them play with china , for a couple od decenies , after what they will understand when they ll lose everythink , thailand will be a distric of china .