Thailand said today it is “deeply disappointed” with yesterday’s decision by the European Union to issue a “yellow card” and warn of possible trade sanctions unless Thailand cleans up its fishing industry.
In a statement published in state media, officials said the EU chose to ignore the improvements and efforts made to “firmly” deal with the issue.
“Although the yellow card does not introduce trade sanctions on European imports of Thai fishery products, it is a source of grave discouragement that the EU has chosen to ignore the very earnest efforts of the past six months by the Royal Thai Government in addressing all issues which once were deemed the causes of IUU [Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated] fishing.”
The announcement promised sincere action.
“Thailand is deeply disappointed by the EU’s decision,” it said. “The Royal Thai Government is now firmly dealing with the issue. It matches words with deeds involving structural changes, law amendments and the passage of new laws, prosecutions, and preventive measures. More importantly, the EU’s decision reflects its failure to recognise the longstanding cooperation between Thailand and the EU’s competent authorities.”
Thailand’s fishing industry accounts for a significant contributor to its export economy, which is already suffering.
The industry’s dependence on slave labor has been the primary factor in the EU’s proposed ban since it was brought from rumoer into relief by an investigative report by The Guardian last year.
Thai officials played down such claims but in recent months have stepped up action, while junta chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has warned local journalists against reporting on it.
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