ITF investigates labour rights abuses on Thai fishing vessels

An ITF delegation has boarded industrial fishing vessels landing their catch in Songkhla Port in Southern Thailand this week, as part of an investigation into alleged labour rights abuses.

The four strong team, who will be in Thailand for six days, found that fishers on board were subject to poor working conditions, cramped accommodation and long contracts, some of them with no hope of returning home with any pay.

Vessels fishing in the gulf of Thailand and Malaysia drop off their catch in Songkhla Port daily for selling or canning locally. There are reportedly 40,000 Thai vessels operating with only 10,000 registered (many with fake licences) and unregistered migrant workers. A spokesperson for ITF said this 'cloak of invisibility' allows the boat captains to treat workers like modern day slaves.

ITF inspector Keith McCorriston said the crew were scared to talk to his team.

"They had no contracts, no toilet, no shower, no mattresses. Cooking facilities consisted of an open flame and basic utensils, the 24 crew slept in cramped accommodation. We spoke to one fisher who had been on board for 10 months, although we suspect this is a gross understatement," he said.