Trafficking crackdown: Officials inspect Phuket fishing boats
Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri led a thorough inspection of several commercial fishing boats in Phuket yesterday, February 6, aiming to prevent human trafficking and ensure adherence to labour laws.
The inspections took place at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute Pier at Cape Panwa and involved officials from over 14 agencies.
The primary focus was on preventing human trafficking and child labour within the fishing industry, as detailed in an official report.
Officials set three main objectives: to eradicate human trafficking and child labour, to protect workers on fishing vessels, and to ensure all employees receive lawful benefits.
Officers from the Phuket Fishing Vessel Entry-Exit Control Center, the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, the Phuket Provincial Labour Office, the Phuket Provincial Internal Security Operations Command, and the Marine Police, among others took part in the inspections.
Vice Governor Ronnarong stressed the significance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting fisheries workers and ensuring strict adherence to labour laws.
Ronnarong reiterated that Phuket’s fishing industry must meet international labour standards to promote sustainable and ethical fishing practices.
During the inspection, four fishing vessels were checked: S. Thanawut Chainawee 19 with 38 crew members, K. Sirichai 19 with 41 crew members, Sak Suwan 555 with 45 crew members, and S. Thanawut Chainawee 63 with 34 crew members.
Officials confirmed that all vessels and workers had complete and valid documentation, with no cases of human trafficking or child labour detected.
Following similar inspections in November, Vice Governor Ronnarong highlighted Thailand’s standing in the US Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, where the country remains in Tier 2 for the third consecutive year.
This ranking reflects ongoing governmental efforts to combat trafficking through increased victim identification, offender prosecution, and victim support services.
Vice Governor Ronnarong stated that addressing human trafficking continues to be a national priority for Thailand. He noted significant progress, such as creating victim screening centres and compensation frameworks, while recognising areas needing improvement to fully tackle the issue, reported The Phuket News.
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