On 14 November 2024, H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, discussed and exchanged views with Mr. Steve Trent, Founder and CEO of Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) on promoting sustainable fisheries.    

On this occasion, Mr. Trent expressed his readiness to support Thailand’s effort in combatting IUU fishing and promote Thailand’s role as a leading country in sustainable fisheries in the region. The Vice Minister reiterated the Thai Government’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders, in safeguarding labour rights and combatting IUU Fishing in accordance with Thai domestic laws and international obligation.

Thailand was the first country in Asia to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention No.188, 2007 (C188) in 2019. Thailand attaches high importance to promoting sustainable fisheries and protecting the rights of labour in line with international commitment.