AP NewsBreak: EU pressures Thailand on fish, labor reform
RAF CASERT, Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union warned Thailand on Tuesday to take "swift and determined action" by next month to improve its fisheries and labor practices or face a serious economic threat of an EU ban on Thai seafood.

The bloc's fisheries and social affairs chiefs, in a letter Tuesday to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan that was obtained by the Associated Press, said talks in July in Bangkok on fighting fish fraud and labor abuses "will be a crucial opportunity for Thailand to present concrete and robust measures." The letter was signed by both Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Social Affairs Commissioner Marianne Thyssen.

Despite months of talks, the 28-nation EU is not satisfied with progress to end illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the world's third-largest seafood exporter. Illegal labor practices in Thailand amounting in some cases to slave labor have only exacerbated the problem. The letter said barring a breakthrough on the issue next month and "tangible progress" by year's end, a ban might follow.

Thailand, which has 8.1 percent of global fishing exports, needs the wealthy European market to maintain its seafood prominence. Annual Thai fish exports to the EU are estimated to be worth between 575 million and 730 million euros ($650 million and $825 million).

In April, the EU extended a so-called yellow card against Thailand, meaning it was given another chance to clean up its act or face sanctions that would hit its economy hard. The EU commended Thai legislation to curb illegal practices but insisted action on the ground was sorely lacking.

The issue of labor abuse gained in prominence around the globe after a two-year investigation by The Associated Press exposed practices amounting to slavery. In addition to freeing more than 2,000 slaves, the reporting resulted in the arrest of a dozen alleged traffickers — with eight convicted and sentenced so far — and the seizing of millions of dollars' worth of seafood and vessels. It also prompted companies in the fishing and food industries to change some of their labor and supply practices.

The Thai government has already promised to improve both its fishing and labor practices. The EU now wants to see that turned into reality.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-06-07

The EU's talk of a ban is on par with Thailands intention to actually fix it.

All talk no action.

"The letter said that, barring a breakthrough next month and "tangible progress" by year's end, a ban might follow."

So no likelihood of a ban before next year then? That's a great pity, because a ban would shake the living bejasus out of this illegal government. The impact on the balance of trade would possibly bring them down for being the incompetents they are.

But the EU are no more to be believed or trusted than the USA. All piss and wind both of them.

W

The full article says the follow statement

The Thai government has already promised to improve both its fishing and labor practices. The EU now wants to see that turned into reality.

The EU commended Thai legislation to curb illegal practices but insisted action on the ground was sorely lacking.

Im sure the next month the government is going to crackdown again.

http://www.theolympian.com/news/nation-world/article82208632.html

Edited June 7, 201610 yr by carstenp

"The letter said that, barring a breakthrough next month and "tangible progress" by year's end, a ban might follow."

So no likelihood of a ban before next year then? That's a great pity, because a ban would shake the living bejasus out of this illegal government. The impact on the balance of trade would possibly bring them down for being the incompetents they are.

But the EU are no more to be believed or trusted than the USA. All piss and wind both of them.

W

Now just imagine the PTP in power when the Ban goes into effect and them getting forced out of office for incompetence.. That would be a pity

I predict yet another well publized crackdown to be announced.

Not to worry:

"Trust me. We are Thai" will save the day.

"The Thai government intends to assure the confidence of international organizations on the basis of preserving national benefits,

and to encourage investment and business operations by foreigners."

"One of the attempts from the PRD to publicize government’s accomplishment is the establishment of the 24-hour English-language TV station “NBT World”:

to reflect “A Vision of Thailand” to ASEAN countries and to the international community."

http://www.samuitimes.com/prd-opens-trust-me-were-thai-foreign-media-workshop/

I predict yet another well publized crackdown to be announced.

Either that or China announces it will import more Thai seafood.

I predict yet another well publized crackdown to be announced.

... followed by more "maybe's", "might's", and "possible's" from the EU.

Edited June 7, 201610 yr by chickenslegs

"The letter said that, barring a breakthrough next month and "tangible progress" by year's end, a ban might follow."

So no likelihood of a ban before next year then? That's a great pity, because a ban would shake the living bejasus out of this illegal government. The impact on the balance of trade would possibly bring them down for being the incompetents they are.

But the EU are no more to be believed or trusted than the USA. All piss and wind both of them.

W

Now just imagine the PTP in power when the Ban goes into effect and them getting forced out of office for incompetence.. That would be a pity

Well, you're probably right on the first bit. But then you know that already. And it drives you crazy.

W

I predict yet another well publized crackdown to be announced.

Either that or China announces it will import more Thai seafood.

No prawns left for export after Chinese tourists scoffed the lot at all-you-can-eat buffets!

"The letter said that, barring a breakthrough next month and "tangible progress" by year's end, a ban might follow."

So no likelihood of a ban before next year then? That's a great pity, because a ban would shake the living bejasus out of this illegal government. The impact on the balance of trade would possibly bring them down for being the incompetents they are.

But the EU are no more to be believed or trusted than the USA. All piss and wind both of them.

W

Now just imagine the PTP in power when the Ban goes into effect and them getting forced out of office for incompetence.. That would be a pity

Well, you're probably right on the first bit. But then you know that already. And it drives you crazy.

W

No it does not really drive me crazy at all, they will loose a lot of power and will be kept under control this time. They will probably not try to get the criminal from Dubai back and YL won't try any crazy schemes. So no it does not drive me crazy. But what I am saying is that the ban could come when they are back in power and it would drive their economic performance down and we could get revolts too.

Its not about freedom of speech.. most people won't protest for that.. but touch their income and then it all goes wrong. You saw that right, people could care less if the army is in power or not IF they had good economics (they don't) same goes for the PTP if their economics are bad they will be in trouble. Given the time line for elections its quite possible the ban and a possible victory of the PTP coincide.

Either the junta is really bad and does not want the fishing situation resolved (option) or its a plan to bring down whoever gets in government after them. One would say with the powers the junta has they could solve this problem of illegal fishing. Probably no money in it and too much at stake. It kinda goes the way most things go here.. big promises and crackdowns that are soon forgotten and the real situation does not really change.

The EU has gone power mad,it will try to dictate to North Korea next..[emoji86]

"by years end... "

How are you tomorrow?

EU "We are going to give you one more last chance."

"The letter said that, barring a breakthrough next month and "tangible progress" by year's end, a ban might follow."

So no likelihood of a ban before next year then? That's a great pity, because a ban would shake the living bejasus out of this illegal government. The impact on the balance of trade would possibly bring them down for being the incompetents they are.

But the EU are no more to be believed or trusted than the USA. All piss and wind both of them.

W

Now just imagine the PTP in power when the Ban goes into effect and them getting forced out of office for incompetence.. That would be a pity

Well, you're probably right on the first bit. But then you know that already. And it drives you crazy.

W

No it does not really drive me crazy at all, they will loose a lot of power and will be kept under control this time. They will probably not try to get the criminal from Dubai back and YL won't try any crazy schemes. So no it does not drive me crazy. But what I am saying is that the ban could come when they are back in power and it would drive their economic performance down and we could get revolts too.

Its not about freedom of speech.. most people won't protest for that.. but touch their income and then it all goes wrong. You saw that right, people could care less if the army is in power or not IF they had good economics (they don't) same goes for the PTP if their economics are bad they will be in trouble. Given the time line for elections its quite possible the ban and a possible victory of the PTP coincide.

Either the junta is really bad and does not want the fishing situation resolved (option) or its a plan to bring down whoever gets in government after them. One would say with the powers the junta has they could solve this problem of illegal fishing. Probably no money in it and too much at stake. It kinda goes the way most things go here.. big promises and crackdowns that are soon forgotten and the real situation does not really change.

There ya go, just as I thought.

Crazy.

W

EU "We are going to give you one more last chance."

EU "p.s. Again"

Edited June 8, 201610 yr by exbikey

Meanwhile the Navy in Phuket starts to undo the work already done because the fishing bosses are pressuring them and they can't take the heat. (or the loss of income)

http://www.thephuketnews.com/navy-ponders-easing-coastal-fishing-ban-off-phuket-57763.php

The full article says the follow statement

The Thai government has already promised to improve both its fishing and labor practices. The EU now wants to see that turned into reality.

The EU commended Thai legislation to curb illegal practices but insisted action on the ground was sorely lacking.

Im sure the next month the government is going to crackdown again.

http://www.theolympian.com/news/nation-world/article82208632.html

THE HUB OF CRACKDOWNS Of course, you would not have crackdowns if people were doing their jobs