EU pressures Thailand on fish, labor reform

[hhfarang]

BRUSSELS — The European Union warned Thailand on Tuesday to take “swift and determined action” by next month to improve its fisheries and labor practices or face a serious economic threat of an EU ban on Thai seafood.

The bloc’s fisheries and social affairs chiefs, in a letter Tuesday to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan that was obtained by the Associated Press, said talks in July in Bangkok on fighting fish fraud and labor abuses “will be a crucial opportunity for Thailand to present concrete and robust measures.” The letter was signed by both Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Social Affairs Commissioner Marianne Thyssen.

Despite months of talks, the 28-nation EU is not satisfied with progress to end illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the world’s third-largest seafood exporter. Illegal labor practices in Thailand amounting in some cases to slave labor have only exacerbated the problem. The letter said barring a breakthrough on the issue next month and “tangible progress” by year’s end, a ban might follow.

Thailand, which has 8.1 percent of global fishing exports, needs the wealthy European market to maintain its seafood prominence. Annual Thai fish exports to the EU are estimated to be worth between 575 million and 730 million euros ($650 million and $825 million).

In April, the EU extended a so-called yellow card against Thailand, meaning it was given another chance to clean up its act or face sanctions that would hit its economy hard. The EU commended Thai legislation to curb illegal practices but insisted action on the ground was sorely lacking."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business ... story.html

[brianks]

So far this has been fun to follow. Reading of the government statements on what they are doing -- but know their not doing. Just an ongoing fun saga to read.

[Bristolian]

As Abe put it "You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.

The current Thai conundrum!. How to fool all of the people, all of the time and keep face or as an option not give a damn?