Slavery in Thailand SeaFood Industry

By Shasanka Sekhar sahu

Thailand Fishing Industry

Thailand is the 3rd largest exporter of Seafood in the world Major importers include US, EU, China and Japan Seafood exports valued at $7.3 billion in 2011

Contributes 2.3% of country’s GDP.

Thai fishing industry heavily dependent on trafficked and forced labor.

Around 300,000 migrants work in Thailand’s Fishing Industry

Sources of Slavery

Slavery is illegal in every country of the world including Thailand

Thailand is the major source, transit and destination country for human trafficking in South East Asia

According to Global Slavery Index, around 500,000 people are enslaved within Thailand. Majority works for fishing industry.

Majority of the workers from neighboring countries Like Cambodia, Laos, Burma

They have duped, trafficked and sold to brokers

Sufferings

Subject to extreme exploitation

20 hrs work per day, little more than a plate of rice

Little of no pay

If someone tries to escape, they beat them and kill them

Sexual exploitations – Pretty girls are sent to brothels

Cause

Lack of political will from Thailand politicians

Endemic Corruption in Thailand

Industry reluctance to change/ Modernize

View Point

sad state of affair

International organization need to put sanctions

Exporting countries need to take action

Govt need political will

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