Thai Fisheries Association Urges Government to Utilize 400 Billion Baht Loan for Fuel Cost Relief

Bangkok: The Fisheries Association proposes that the government use 400 billion baht from a loan to mitigate the impact of high fuel prices. The Thai Fisheries Association is preparing to propose to the government the use of funds from the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree to help mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs and improve the liquidity of the fishing sector. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trairik Muesanthad, President of the Thai Fisheries Association, stated that the association is currently compiling data on fishing vessels affected by rising fuel costs during March-May. Using a port entry and exit reporting system, they are monitoring the number of vessels still operating, which will be used to assess the cost impact before submitting a proposal to the Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for consideration of assistance measures. The association has discussed with Mr. Watcharaphol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who overse es the Department of Fisheries, ways to assist and improve the liquidity of the fisheries sector. They proposed using funds from the government's 400 billion baht loan decree. Mr. Watcharaphol acknowledged and understood the problems and obstacles facing the fisheries sector and agreed to determine a plan to help alleviate and enhance the potential of the fisheries sector affected by the economic downturn and global conflicts. Mr. Trairik said that although oil prices have started to improve somewhat, fuel costs remain high, causing some businesses to switch to B20 fuel, which is cheaper than regular gasoline, to reduce costs. Furthermore, there are still problems accessing B20 fuel in several coastal provinces due to the limited number of service stations. In some areas, there are only 2-3 gas stations selling it, forcing small fishing boats to travel long distances to refuel, while larger vessels require thousands to tens of thousands of liters of fuel per refueling. The president of the Thai Fisheries As sociation stated that the association had written to Mr. Ekanat Promphan, the Minister of Energy, requesting the acceleration of access to B20 fuel to cover 22 coastal provinces, but there has been no clear progress so far. Regarding proposals for small-scale fishermen, the association suggested using a "fuel discount coupon" mechanism to compensate for fuel costs if diesel prices exceed a set level, in order to reduce the financial burden on local fishermen. Furthermore, the fishing sector is facing a labor shortage of approximately 10,000 people, particularly in eastern provinces such as Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. A major reason is the gradual expiration of work permits for Cambodian workers who are unable to renew them, impacting the operations of many fishing vessels. Mr. Trairik added that on May 21st, the association will meet with Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, the Minister of Labour, to propose solutions to the problems facing fishing workers, including labor shortages, management of worker s in shelters, expired worker documents, and ways to bring undocumented foreign workers into the legal system. Simultaneously, they will propose opening registration for foreign workers in the fishing sector once or twice a year, or continuously, to align with the unique characteristics of fishing labor, which involves more complex procedures than land-based labor. They will also propose that the government consider adjusting the requirements for certain positions on fishing vessels, such as helmsmen and engineers, which currently require Thai nationals, due to the declining number of Thai workers entering the fishing industry. The association reiterates its commitment to primarily seeking dialogue with the government to find ways to support the fishing sector and maintain employment in the Thai fishing industry.