Praporn Ekouru:
Brokers do all the paper work

Maritime and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti's policy of reviewing fishing licenses given to foreign boats weighing over 30 gross tons, is having an impact on the fishing industry in Thailand. Since the moratorium took effective on November last year, Thailand's fish industry has been struggling. "Supplies have drastically declined," said Praporn Ekouru, chairman of the Songkhla Province Fishery Association, four weeks ago.

In an interview at his home in Tambon Bo Yang, Amphoe Mueang, Songkhla, Praporn said the government's decision has caused Thai boats previously shipping on Indonesian waters to have come to a halt. They are now moored on the harbors of Samut Prakhan, Samut Sakhon and Songkhla provinces.

February 24, 2015