The Pheu Thai Party has vowed to address the plight of people in the fishery business affected by the government's policy of imposing tough regulations against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Representatives from the industry turned up at the party's office yesterday to share their concerns with its key figures including leader Viroj Pao-in, his deputy Plodprasop Suraswadi and Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, who heads the party's strategic committee.
Khunying Sudarat said that in recent years the government has handled fishery issues without a clear understanding of the details and "kowtowed" to foreigners without undertaking the proper negotiations.
This has undermined the revenue the industry pulls in, particularly in the area of seafood exports, she said.
Exports hit 1.6 million tonnes a year in 2017 but imports have also soared, she added.
"In the past we had 80,000 fishing trawlers, but we now have just 30,000," she said.
"Although international rules are now in play, if we were to handle the issue effectively we would be able to restore the industry's revenue, which would be a boon for the economy," she said.
Pheu Thai said Khunying Sudarat would ensure legal equality while working hard on the economic side to boost Thai seafood exports even further.
Mr Plodprasop said his party is in the final stage of drawing up its policy as it eyes the campaign trail ahead of the poll expected on Feb 24.
"Artisanal, commercial and overseas fisheries must be able to live together without priority being given to anyone in particular," he said.
Efforts will also be made to regulate the industry by attaching more importance to sustainability and fair income distribution, he added.
He said the anti-IUU regulations were adopted without a sound rationale.
More than 500 issues are linked to these, he noted, adding re-negotiations were needed to seek more lenient rules and adopt those which are reasonable so as to prevent Thai fishermen from being adversely impacted.
"Pheu Thai has seen the problems fishermen are facing and we will find a solution," said Mr Plodprasop.
"Our MP candidates in the South this time also include fishermen, as we are treating the problem as a significant issue."
Trairerk Meusanthat, deputy chairman of the National Fisheries Association of Thailand, said the regulations force boat operators to carry up to 40 documents.
The status quo could "collapse the industry", he said.
