The Labour Minister welcomed Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand on courtesy call and discussion of labour affairs, including the collaboration to improve protection of rights for workers in fishing and relevant industries to sustainably resolve human trafficking.
On October 4, 2018, Labour Minister H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo welcomed Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand Mr. Pirkka Tapiola at the Ministry of Labour’s reception room on the 6th floor. The occasion was a courtesy call and discussion of labour affairs relevant to key issues on the progress of ratification of ILO Convention 188 on Work in Fishing. Gen. Adul explained that the Thai government has emphasized international standards by considering the environment and communities. ILO Convention 188 is relevant to several units such as the Department of Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Marine Department, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Health, however the Ministry of Labour will host the draft which is currently in the process of building awareness and understanding with all stakeholders. He explained that most fishery associations do not agree as the lifestyle and the weather between Thailand and Europe are very different, and it is important to reshape vessel structures and enforce it. Nevertheless, the government is committed to enforcing this law which will benefit the health and safety of fishing workers.
Pol.Gen. Adul said that Ministry of Labour also visited the areas to create mutual awareness and understanding with fishing operators in 22 coastal provinces, which received better responses. The Ministry of Labour will continue to listen and understand all relevant sectors to drive the progress of this law, expected to take at least 2 months.
Furthermore, the Labour Minister discussed collaboration under the Ship to Shore Rights’ project funded by the EU. The project aims to improve protection of rights for workers in fishing and seafood industries to resolve problems of slavery, child labour and unacceptable forms of work, including the elimination of human trafficking.
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Division of Public Relations
News by Chaninthorn Phettab
Photos by Sompob Silbut
Bureau of Coordination for International Cooperation
4 October 2018
