December 9, 2021. Ranong Province conducted fishing vessels inspection, a collaboration between the Province’s labor, public health, and immigration offices, along with officers from the Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) and the Internal Security Operations Command. The Royal Thai Navy also supported the endeavor with their patrol vessels through Thai-MECC.
The inspection was in line with the Province’s action plan on anti-labor trafficking and anti-forced labor/service in marine fisheries. The operation highlighted the cross-sectoral cooperation and the vigorous law enforcement with the aim to monitor and prevent vulnerable groups from entering into human trafficking, forced labor, and labor trafficking in the fishing industry.
The integrated team inspected 4 fishing boats at sea with 29 workers (5 Thais, 23 Myanmar, and 1 displaced person) and found no labor violation or workers under 18 years old. All workers entered into employment contracts willingly and possessed legal work permits.
The labor officers took the opportunity to provide advice for vessel owners on the issues such as, reports of workers’ immigration status and work permit extension. The team also emphasized the public health measures and urged all to refrain from conducting illegal labor employment.
