Labour Shortage in Thailand's Fishing Industry: Insights from Thailand and Cambodia

Strategic Insights -

The labour shortage in Thailand's fishing industry has been exacerbated by recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. According to Mongkol Sukcharoenkana, president of the Thai Fisheries Association, there are approximately 14,000-15,000 Cambodian nationals legally employed in Thailand's fishing industry, with around 4,000-5,000 estimated to have returned home following recent clashes. This has raised concerns about the impact on the industry, which relies heavily on foreign labour. To mitigate the shortage, the Thai Fisheries Association plans to request the Labour Ministry to expedite the recruitment of Myanmar workers.

Key Takeaways:

  • There are approximately 14,000-15,000 Cambodian nationals legally employed in Thailand's fishing industry, with around 4,000-5,000 estimated to have returned home due to recent tensions.
  • The returning workers were not leaving due to unpaid wages but rather due to other pressures prompting them to return home.
  • Most MOU workers have remained in Thailand, as their contracts are still in force.
  • The Thai Fisheries Association will request the Labour Ministry to expedite the recruitment of Myanmar workers to mitigate the labour shortage.
  • Myanmar workers are already skilled in fishing and can fill the gap immediately, unlike Bangladeshi workers who require training.
  • MOU workers, who prefer to continue working in Thailand due to better welfare and clearly defined employment terms, are unlikely to be affected by the current situation.

Statistics:

  • 14,000-15,000: The estimated number of Cambodian nationals legally employed in Thailand's fishing industry.
  • 4,000-5,000: The estimated number of Cambodian workers who have returned home due to recent tensions.
  • 2 years: The typical length of contracts for MOU workers.
  • 2015: The year in which the Fisheries Act was enacted and Section 83 was included.
  • 14 of the Labour Protection Act: The section that sets out the rights and obligations of employers and employees under the Civil and Commercial Code.

Sources:

  • Mongkol Sukcharoenkana, president of the Thai Fisheries Association, quoted in an article.
  • Poj Aramwattananont, chairman and CEO of Sea Value Plc and chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, quoted in an article.