The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is investigating commercial fishing vessels landing their catch in Songkhla port, Southern Thailand, as part of what it calls its own investigation into labour rights abuses.
Vessels fishing in the gulf of Thailand and Malaysia drop off their catch in Songkhla port daily for selling or canning locally. According to ITF, there are reportedly 40,000 Thai vessels operating with only 10,000 registered (many with fake licences) and unregistered migrant workers.
It said that this cloak of invisibility’ allows the boat captains to treat workers like modern day slaves.
ITF inspector Keith McCorriston, said: The crew were scared to talk to us. They had no contracts, no toilet, no shower, no mattresses. Cooking facilities consisted of an open flame and basic utensils, the 24 crew slept in cramped accommodation. We spoke to one fisher who had been on board for 10 months, although we suspect this is a gross understatement.
Apinya Tajit from the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre in Sriracha has said that the centre is dealing with many similar cases both in and outside of Thailand.
Mark Davis, ITF deputy regional secretary for the Asia Pacific region, added that the industry is facing huge challenges throughout the region but it is the workers who are suffering.
Neglect and abuse are rife for migrant workers and Thai nationals too. How have we got to a position where a fish has more value than the worker who catches it? he said.
Mercator Media Ltd 2015