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This report presents recommendations that are designed to address the gaps that continue to hinder Thailand’s effort to combat illegal fishing and human trafficking

Enabled by political commitment at senior levels, the RTG has introduced a new legislative framework and regulations for fisheries, established technology-assisted monitoring and inspection regimes and has further signed up to the first of several key international instruments that are required in the fight against IUU and human trafficking. While the Thai reform path has been positive, gaps and shortcomings persist. EJF is encouraged by the proposed measures to address IUU as discussed at the Royal Thai embassy in London in July, but additional, structural measures are absolutely crucial if the reforms are to be effective, successful and entrenched inthe long-term.

Investigations by EJF into the related problems of human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Taiwan’s massive distant water fishing fleet has revealed worrying findings. This briefing details the structural shortcomings in Taiwan’s management of its deep water fleet that allow human trafficking and human rights abuses to persist.

Slavery, ‘pirate’ fishing and other serious crimes continue to plague Thailand’s seafood sector.

EJF believes that solutions to 'pirate' fishing and slavery in Thailand’s fishing sector are available, practical and achievable through a multi-track approach emphasising leadership, coordinated joint action and genuine commitment from all stakeholders. This report recalls and builds on the recommendations made in EJF’s 2015 report Pirates and Slaves. EJF also acknowledges and reiterates all recommendations made to Thailand in the 2015 US Department of State Trafficking in Persons report.