Thailand first in Asia to ratify C188

Thailand will become the first country in Asia to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention, also known as C188, to ensure better working conditions for fishermen.

The ratification was confirmed yesterday by Labour Minister Adul Sangsingkeo, although the news was met with opposition from fisheries groups across the country, who fear the agreement will increase their financial burden.

Addressing their concerns, Pol Gen Adul said the C188, which contains 14 key requirements, will apply only to large fishing vessels weighing at least 30 gross tonnes.

“There are currently 5,000 vessels in this category, which means that at least 30,000 fishermen stand to benefit from the ratification,” he said.

Currently, there are 37,000 trawlers registered in Thailand — more than half of which are small, traditional fishing boats.

“This ratification will set a new standard for fishing crew, which will result in better conditions,” Pol Gen Adul said. “Hopefully the improved conditions will attract more Thais and foreigners to the industry.”

Thailand has struggled to deal with a shortage of fishermen following its stringent measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as demanded by the European Union, which gave the kingdom a “yellow card”, or a final warning, in 2015.

The ratification of the C188 will improve the image of Thai fisheries in the eyes of the international community, which will consequently benefit businesses in the long run, he said.

Thailand has put in place several laws to comply with the requirements listed in the C188, including laws that set the minimum age of workers, maximum working hours, and require employers to conduct routine medical check-ups for their crew.

State agencies are currently working on four requirements related to social security and compensation for workers in the case of accidents.

Graeme Buckley, ILO chief for Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, applauded the Thai government for its “sincerity in upgrading fishing standards”.

Labour Rights Promotion Network Foundation manager Patima Tangpratyakun admitted the ratification will increase operating costs, but said the move is good for fishing crews whose working conditions are often ignored.

Employment Department chief Petcharat Sinauy insisted yesterday the ratification bid had gone through many public hearings.

“A majority of them support the ratification because it benefits employers, workers and the image of the Thai fishing industry,” she said.