Bangkok: Fishermen from 22 coastal provinces are set to submit a letter to Prime Minister Phiphat, urging the removal of regulations they believe hinder their livelihoods. Representatives of these provinces will convene on June 17 to present their concerns to the Ministry of Transport, seeking the swift elimination of laws and regulations imposed by the Marine Department.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trairik Muesanthad, President of the Thai Fisheries Association, will lead the delegation of fishermen to submit the letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, on June 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The letter requests urgent action on issues related to Marine Department regulations that have long been problematic for the fisheries sector, with little progress made despite continuous proposals for improvement.
Mr. Trairik highlighted that the regulations increase costs and operational challenges for fishing boat operators nationwide, limiting their professional capabilities and reducing income opportunities. The fishermen's demands include amending regulations on vessel licenses, expediting crew member certificate processes, and revisiting vessel classification rules to reflect current operations. They also propose temporary solutions, such as using alternative documents for crew members, to avoid disruptions in fishing activities.
Additionally, the fishermen are calling for more flexible conditions for building new vessels to replace outdated ones. Mr. Trairik emphasized that the letter aims to prompt the Minister of Transport to engage relevant agencies in discussions to resolve these issues and establish a clear timeline for implementation. Representatives from multiple provinces, including Songkhla, Pattani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, and Trat, will be involved in submitting the letter to highlight the nationwide impact on the fishing sector and ensure progress in addressing these longstanding challenges.