Law
Thailand Strengthens Legal Framework to Combat Illegal Fishing
The Department of Fisheries has updated national regulations to align with international standards and enhance the traceability of Thai seafood products.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, the Thai Department of Fisheries is intensifying efforts to eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Thitiporn Hlaoprasert, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, stated that the agency is committed to maintaining international standards for Thai fisheries, acting as a flag, coastal, and port state.
Key measures include the modernization of legal frameworks to reflect current fishing practices and the effective management of marine resources. This initiative follows the recent publication of the 2025 amendment to the 2015 Royal Ordinance on Fisheries in the Royal Gazette. The department’s strategy covers the entire supply chain, from vessel registration and licensing to the monitoring of Thai-flagged vessels and the inspection of foreign vessels and imported seafood products.
For residents and travelers, these regulatory updates are primarily focused on the commercial and industrial sectors, aiming to bolster global confidence in the Thai seafood industry. While these changes are designed to ensure that Thai seafood is legal, responsible, and traceable, the practical impact on local market prices or the availability of specific seafood products remains to be confirmed. The government continues to emphasize its role in international trade compliance, though further details regarding the specific enforcement timelines for individual fishing operators are still pending.