Shrimp industry battles labour abuse charges

Led by the Thai Shrimp Association and 10 related associations for hatchery, shrimp farming and shrimp processing groups, the group presented a letter to Ambassador Eric G John.

It implored the embassy to investigate the charges and review the facts, saying the industry's image has been seriously tarnished by US media reports.

On April 23, various international news agencies published articles regarding labour abuses in Asian shrimp industries, namely Thailand and Bangladesh.

The articles quoted a report produced by a non-government organisation called The Solidarity Center. The NGO report was based on selected interviews with a limited number of workers, they said.

The articles urged consumers

not to buy food from alleged abusers, who beat and torture labourers or use child workers while paying sweatshop wages and provided hazardous working conditions.

These accusations are far from true and carry ill intentions, the group said.

It is well accepted by importers that Thai shrimp are of the highest quality as they are safely packed.

This was because Thailand possesses strong shrimp farming technology that is environmentally friendly, they said.

 It is well known that Thailand is one of the few countries that can meet stringent standards set by importing countries.

Somsak Paneetatyasai, president of Thai Shrimp Association, said Thailand has various laws that protect workers such as the Labour Protection Act BE 2541, which protects labourers including women and child workers.

The law covers remuneration, welfare, safety in the workplace, social security and is strictly enforced, they said.

The Foreign Employment Act BE 2521 No 39 also punishes employers who illegally hire migrant workers to three years imprisonment and a maximum fine of Bt60,000.