Issue06 : 23 June 2014
The DITP, in conjunction with Charoen Pokphand Food (CPF) and the private sector, has responded to rising concerns over the abuse of labour rights in Thai fisheries – particularly in the prawn industry, where Thailand is a major exporter.
“The DITP has given orders to Thai Commercial Attachés over the globe to talk with major importers of Thai prawns – to inform them that Thailand is not neglecting this issue. Both private and governmental sectors in Thailand are determined to correct the current situation,” said Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, the director general of the DITP this month.
In the short-term, the DITP will strictly enforce employment laws while maintaining quality produce. In the medium- and long-term, the DITP will promote fair trade activities in Thailand. The government is aiming to collaborate with fair trade organisations such as Fairtrade International (FLO) and the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) to establish a Thai Fair Trade Community. CPF, the largest exporter of Thai prawns, has announced plans to buy all of its fishmeal from certified suppliers by 2015.
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