Dirty hands of shrimp trade

EDITORIAL

Published: 12 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Thailand is the world's leading food exporting country not only because of the country's natural abundance, but also because the food produced here is cheaper than that of other countries. This is also true with the 100-billion-baht shrimp export industry which is now facing allegations of using child migrant labour and other exploitative labour practices to keep Thai shrimp cheaper than those of its competitors.

The shrimp industry has come under severe scrutiny after the broadcast of a documentary by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) in the United States last month. In the documentary which focuses on the situation in Samut Sakhon province, migrant workers talk of dreadful work conditions. Many workers are minors, working long hours, and underpaid. The documentary also touches on human trafficking, debt bondage, and police extortion.

As if on cue, the authorities and major shrimp exporters in Samut Sakhon immediately came out to deny the PBS report. This is unwise. Instead of going on the defensive, Samut Sakhon, as the centre of the shrimp industry, must come up with effective measures to regulate the shrimp industry to keep the loyalty of its US market, which is the industry's biggest customer.

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enquirer
Post : 35
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Discussion 9 : 12 Oct 2012 at 23.589
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If this allegation is proved to be true, then the consequences thereof will be quite profound. Foremost all of the European Union will consider banning Thai produce in light of these serious allegations. I for one, would never eat or order Thai food if it's found to be produced on the back of forced child labour. I hope Thailand makes an immediate investigation. Don't think ignoring the problem will solve this issue, it will not go away. You have been warned !
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tcr
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Discussion 8 : 12 Oct 2012 at 22.318
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At the heart of this matter is corrupt police. The #1 problem facing Thailand.
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maunder
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Discussion 7 : 12 Oct 2012 at 21.067
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It is true that shrimp farms are a blight on the environment. However, here we seem to be talking about human rights (for a change).
If Thailand is to set about correcting abuse of children in the shrimp farming industry, perhaps it could also halt the abuse of children set out to beg along the streets of Bangkok?
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dao
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Discussion 6 : 12 Oct 2012 at 10.196
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I would like to know how healthy the shrimp actually is .What kinds of hormones and pollution are these shrimp exposed to ?
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ubuntu
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Discussion 5 : 12 Oct 2012 at 09.555
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Free compulsory education for these children is a great idea! After their 8-12 hour shift they can attend classes.

Can the adults not see their own children in the eyes of those they exploit? Have Buddhism and humanity become so perverted and corrupted?
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Ian
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Discussion 4 : 12 Oct 2012 at 09.344
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In many crimes the traditional approach is "cherchez la femme", find the lady. In Thailand it is much simpler, "follow the money trail".
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barryw
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Discussion 3 : 12 Oct 2012 at 08.583
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'If the problem stems from a lack of regulation in the shrimp industry, then set up a proper regulatory system'. You are kidding, surely? Since when have regulations ever been enforced in Thailand.
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wangsuda
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Discussion 2 : 12 Oct 2012 at 08.142
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"the authorities and major shrimp exporters in Samut Sakhon immediately came out to deny the PBS report." Of course. Everyone knows it's never a Thai's fault.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 1 : 12 Oct 2012 at 03.561
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The country's self interest is self interest. Codes of ethics and moral standards fly out the window when there's money to be made, especially at the expense of people that are considered almost non existent. In Thai eyes they are there to be exploited...
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Dirty hands of shrimp trade | Bangkok Post: opinion