The Migrant Working Group (MWG) has submitted a proposed marine fishing labour protection bill to the People’s Party (PP), seeking parliamentary action against exploitation and forced labour.
Adisorn Kerdmongkol, MWG coordinator, on Wednesday submitted the draft to Veerayooth Kanchoochat, PP list-MP, deputy party leader for political strategy and policy adviser, along with other party MPs.
MWG wants the party to push the proposed legislation through Parliament to strengthen protections for fishing workers and prevent exploitation and working conditions that could amount to forced labour.
Mr Adisorn said fishing differs greatly from land-based work, with long hours, remote locations and risks to workers’ lives and health. Many migrant workers face barriers to labour rights and protections. The network believes Thailand needs legislation specifically designed for working conditions aboard fishing vessels, with clear and enforceable standards covering workers, employers and state agencies.
MP Veerayooth said labour protection had long been among PP’s priorities, while the fishing sector continued to face unresolved problems.
He highlighted the lack of protection for even basic rights, including a minimum age for marine fishing workers, and pledged to pursue the issue.
The proposed law, he said, should address more than workers’ rights and welfare, as the fishing sector is also linked to environmental protection, marine resource management, food security and the wider economy.
Mr Veerayooth noted that Thailand’s fishing sector has also faced measures from the European Union, with repercussions extending beyond the industry.
The PP is now preparing its own version of the legislation and plans to submit it for consideration alongside the civil society draft, creating a potential parliamentary process involving both proposals.
Mr Veerayooth urged the government to submit similar legislation if the issue is a priority, saying Parliament could help stakeholders find solutions that benefit workers, employers, and the sector.