On 30 January 2019, H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, accompanied Pol. Gen. Adul Sangsingkeo, Minister of Labour of Thailand, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, to deposit the instrument of ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention No. 188, 2007 (C188) to Mr. Guy Ryder, Director-General of the ILO. Thailand is the 14^th member country of ILO and the first country in Asia to deposit the Instrument of Ratification of the said Convention.

The Work in Fishing Convention aims to create decent working conditions for workers in the fisheries sector, including accommodation, food, occupational safety and health, and health insurance as well as work contract. The Convention will enter into force within 12 months after ratification or on 30 January 2020.

The Ratification of the Convention underscores Thailand’s commitments to improving working conditions and living standards, as well as bringing the level of protection of all workers in the fisheries sector to meet the international standards. Moreover, the Convention aims to prevent risks from forced labour and promote ethical fisheries.

In the meantime, Thailand is also in the process of drafting the Work in Fishing Act, B.E. …. as an implementing legislation encompassing measures in line with the Convention No. 188 and to effectively protect the rights of fishing workers and prevent forced labour in the fisheries sector.