The Royal Thai Government acknowledges the statement made today (21 April 2016) by Mr. Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, concerning Thailand’s efforts to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, which other countries were also mentioned.  

The Thai Government welcomes the European Commission’s confirmation of the next round of dialogue with Thailand in May 2016 in Brussels. The Thai Government is expeditiously addressing the issues concerned and will convey the latest results to the Commission accordingly.  

The Thai Government values the dialogue with the European Commission. The dialogue provides useful advice and bolsters cooperation in tackling IUU fishing and labor abuses in the fisheries sector, in line with international standards.  

The Thai Government attaches high priority in advancing the comprehensive fisheries reform. Tangible progress has been achieved over the past year, especially in the overhaul of legal and policy frameworks on the Thai fisheries. However, there remain a number of issues that need to be promptly tackled.  

The Thai Government is firmly committed to taking on the challenges of resolving these deep-seated problems in the fisheries sector, by enforcing the law, building capacity and strengthening cooperation with all partners and other countries in the region. 

The Center for Combating Illegal Fishing (CCCIF) and all relevant government agencies spare no effort to expedite and improve the implementation of the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries 2015, the fisheries management plan and the control measures. 

In the spirit of enduring friendship and cooperation between Thailand and the European Union, the Thai Government is committed to sustaining the constructive IUU dialogue with the European Commission in order to realize the shared goal of promoting sustainable fisheries.