News
EU set to change its tune on Thai fishing

Yesterday southern fishermen in Songkhla, Pattani and Trang were threatening to go on strike if the Thai government didn’t lift restrictions imposed on them to help satisfy demands by the EU over illegal fishing practices. Today a representative from the EU is pouring praise on the Thai government for its actions to clean up the industry. Smells fishy!?
The Nation reports that Thailand has a good chance of an improved rating in the European Union’s (EU) next report on the country’s efforts to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
A sense of optimism could be forgiven after an EU representative yesterday expressed satisfaction with the country’s recent efforts. Thailand in 2015 was slapped with a yellow flag for “shortcomings in its fisheries monitoring, control and sanctioning systems”.
“There has been significant progress thanks to serious government support,” said Stefaan Depypere, the European Commission’s director for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries, yesterday.
“We have recognised the Thai government’s efforts and determination in addressing IUU on a continued basis,” he said.
During the past few years, Thai authorities have taken seriously the issues raised by the IUU. If the EU were to issue a red flag, Thailand’s seafood exports would be banned by EU members.
Depypere said he hoped the Thai government would continue its anti-IUU efforts so as to set a good example for others.
He was speaking after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon.
Depypere heads an EU delegation that is in Thailand to discuss the country’s performance entailing IUU isues from April 4-11.
Given his comments, it is quite possible that the EU will decide later this month to remove the yellow flag for Thailand. The EU delegation is evaluating traceability along the supply chain, regulations, law enforcement and punishment against wrongdoers regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Prawit said the Thai government would continue to fight IUU fishing, even if and after the EU removes the yellow flag.
“We will pursue the goal of becoming the IUU-Free Thailand. We will not ignore the woes of fishermen,” he said.
Prawit added that Thailand was ready to share its experiences with other nations.
“We also plan to declare IUU issues as important agenda items at the Asean level next year,” he said.
Depypere said if Thailand could solve IUU problems, the Thai economy would benefit and the quality of life for fishermen would improve.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Nation
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Thailand
Ask The Thais | Road deaths, dating foreigners, and is ‘farang’ racist?

Ask The Thais” is a new segment on The Thaiger where we ask some of our Thai staff to explain some of the unusual and sometimes inexplicable little nuances of Thai culture. You have a question?
Send it in and we’ll get our MUCH BETTER LOOKING Thai staff to explain, from a Thai youth perspective, some of their culture and what they really think. Send us your questions below.
YouTube link to the Australian Transport Accident Commission video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8
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Thailand
111 people arrested at Koh Pha Ngan party for allegedly violating Covid-19 restrictions

Police raided a party in Koh Pha Ngan and arrested 111 on charges of violating Covid-19 disease control measures under the Emergency Decree. Immigration police and tourist police raided the event at Three Sixty Bar, a venue on a hilltop near Mae Haad Beach on the island known for its 360 degree view.
Out of the 111 people arrested, 89 are foreigners and 20 are Thais. Police say 2 other people admitted to organising the party and were charged with colluding in operating an entertainment venue without permission. All 111 people were taken to the police station for legal action.
According to chief of Surat Thani immigration, police heard about party tickets being sold online. The bar wasn’t exactly discrete about hosting an event. Various posts were made on Facebook advertising the “360 Blast & Addict Party” with DJs on 2 dance floors, a music line up until 2am and a “Crazy Market” with clothes, jewelry and food.
Surat Thani Governor also says strict legal action will be taken against the partygoers and breaches of Covid-19 restrictions will not be tolerated.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post | PR Surat
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Chon Buri
Massage shops and spas in Chon Buri get the “okay” to reopen

Massage shops and spas as well as other similar venues in Chon Buri will be allowed to reopen after being closed for nearly a month due to strict Covid-19 control measures. Massage and spa workers gathered earlier this week, calling on the government to allow their businesses to reopen.
Along with massage shops and spas, tattoo studios and beauty clinics are also allowed to reopen, but must abide by Covid-19 prevention measures like checking customers’ temperatures, supplying hand sanitiser and enforcing social distancing.
Pattaya News notes that gyms, pools, fitness centres, saunas and massage shops offering “soapies” are not included in the order.
Although Chon Buri has gone 6 consecutive days without a local Covid-19 case, it is still classified as a “red zone.” The Centre for Covid-19 Situation will hold a meeting on Friday and will discuss whether to reclassify the province as an “orange zone,” allowing tourists to visit without permission from a district official.
SOURCE: Pattaya News
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