"Thailand first in Asia to ratify fishing pact", 30 November 2018

Thailand will become the first country in Asia to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention, also known as C188, to ensure better working conditions for fishermen.

The ratification was confirmed on Thursday... although the news was met with opposition from fisheries groups across the country, who fear the agreement will increase their financial burden. Addressing their concerns, Pol Gen Adul said the C188, which contains 14 key requirements, will apply only to large fishing vessels weighing at least 30 gross tonnes...

Thailand has struggled to deal with a shortage of fishermen following its stringent measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as demanded by the European Union, which gave the kingdom a "yellow card"... in 2015. 

The ratification of the C188 will improve the image of Thai fisheries in the eyes of the international community, which will consequently benefit businesses in the long run...