A Thai fishing trawler operator said Wednesday he is willing to take risks in Indonesian waters despite that government's "hardcore approach" to combating illegal fishing.
The operator, who identified himself only as Khomsan, said though he and other Thai fishing operators pay concession fees, they face the constant risk that their boats will be seized by Indonesian authorities.
Mr Khomsan said monthly concession fees are paid to various Indonesian authorities responsible for territorial waters. Operators always have to be prepared to pay extra.
Cash, petrol or their catch — worth between 10 million-20 million baht — are a means of bribery to obtain the return of seized vessels, said Mr Khomsan, who operates a fleet of 21 fishing trawlers and five ships with freezer units.
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Mr Khomsan, who comes from eastern Thailand, has been fishing in Indonesian waters for almost 10 years.
"Most Thai fishing vessels pay concession fees to the navy or the marine police. But if they are seized by other agencies, such as the fishery authorities, that's extra," he said.
Mr Khomsan said Indonesian waters are vast and can be divided into northern and southern zones. The southern zone, near Australia and Papua New Guinea, is abundant with marine resources and is worth the trip even though it can be a few months before vessels return to port.
"When a Thai fishing boat is seized fishing illegally, it can be sunk or taken ashore. The crew members will be detained for a long time before the case is settled.
Sometimes they have to wait for a pardon from the Indonesian government.
"For those who pay concession fees, brokers will help take care of things," he said, adding he pays roughly 50,000 baht per vessel.
But when one of his trawlers was seized, he had to pay more than a million baht to get the boat back.
Several Thai operators have switched to Malaysian waters. "The risks of getting arrested [in Indonesia] are bigger because the government is making changes," he said.
He rejected allegations of labour abuse on fishing trawlers, saying they use a rotation system where crew members can go home with freezer ships that come for the catch.