Advisor to the Labour Minister and committee visited Pattani and met with fishing boat operators and related industries in Pattani, creating new dimensions of ideas called the “Pattani Model.” The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Labour, relevant agencies and operators in the local area. The Advisor confirmed that labour issues would be resolved with priority for the national interest.
On November 27, 2019, at 13.30 hours, Advisor to the Labour Minister Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jak Punchoopet presided over the meeting with fishing boat operators and parties involved in the marine fishery industry in Pattani. The meeting took place at the Pattani Fisheries Association meeting room. Vice president of the Pattani Fisheries Association, Mr. Chit Sriklam, welcomed the committee. Director from the Office of Inspection and Evaluation Ms. Pattraporn Samatrat, Pattani Labour Officer Mrs. Suchinda Boon-ae, and heads of government agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Pattani also joined the occasion. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jak said that today is the day we create a new dimension called the “Pattani Model” together. He thanked the fishermen for sharing the facts to all relevant sectors, to find the right solution to the problem of labour shortages in the fishing industry. The issue is one that the Ministry of Labour attaches great importance, primarily to ensure that it does not affect the economy and the fishermen’s ways of life.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jak Punchoopet emphasized that the parties have tried their best. From today’s visit, there were many issues, especially about labour shortages in the fishing industry. The Ministry of Labour is ready to cooperate with relevant agencies to resolve the problem based on the best interest of the country. The discussion and talks with fishers and appropriate parties produced both immediate and long-term issues, which can be resolved without adversely affecting the country. The Ministry of Labour will implement the results as soon as possible.
On this occasion, the Advisor to the Labour Minister met with fishermen from Pattani Bay Committee, Pattani Fisheries Association, the Provincial Chamber of Commerce, Provincial Industry Council, owners of downstream industries such as fishmeal factories, fish processing factories, ice plants and cold storage for example. The meeting welcomed and acknowledged the results of the Ministry of Labour’s guidance for over 300 people from fisheries and related businesses.
The fisherman’s representative said that at present, there is a problem with fewer vessels being deployed, fewer workers, and higher costs. The representative thanked the Ministry of Labour for listening to the issues and helping the fishermen, coming together to resolve issues, and creating a nation together.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
Photos by Rapatsa Panikul/
27 November 2019
