BRUSSELS - The European Union warned Thailand on Tuesday to take "swift and determined action" by next month to improve its fisheries and labour practices or face a serious economic threat of an EU ban on Thai seafood.
The bloc's fisheries and social affairs chiefs, in a letter on Tuesday to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon that was obtained by the Associated Press, said talks in July in Bangkok on fighting fish fraud and labour abuses "will be a crucial opportunity for Thailand to present concrete and robust measures."
The letter was signed by both Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Social Affairs Commissioner Marianne Thyssen.
Despite months of talks, the 28-nation EU is not satisfied with progress to end illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the world's third-largest seafood exporter. Illegal labour practices in Thailand amounting in some cases to slave labour have only exacerbated the problem.
The letter said barring a breakthrough on the issue next month and "tangible progress" by year's end, a ban might follow.
Thailand, which has 8.1% of global fishing exports, needs the wealthy European market to maintain its seafood prominence. Annual Thai fish exports to the EU are estimated to be worth between €575 million and €730 million ($650 million and $825 million).
In April, the EU extended a so-called yellow card against Thailand, meaning it was given another chance to clean up its act or face sanctions that would hit its economy hard. The EU commended Thai legislation to curb illegal practices but insisted action on the ground was sorely lacking.
The issue of labour abuse gained in prominence around the globe after a two-year investigation by The Associated Press exposed practices amounting to slavery. In addition to freeing more than 2,000 slaves, the reporting resulted in the arrest of a dozen alleged traffickers -- with eight convicted and sentenced so far -- and the seizing of millions of dollars' worth of seafood and vessels. It also prompted companies in the fishing and food industries to change some of their labor and supply practices.
The government has already promised to improve both its fishing and labour practices. The EU now wants to see that turned into reality.
