The European Union did not reach any decision relating to issuing red or yellow cards during its latest dialogue with Thailand over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand has confirmed.
“Thailand still has time to work on this matter before such a decision will be made, and Thailand reaffirms its commitment to continue working to tackle the problem,” according to a statement issued by the ministry.
Its clarification was in response to a news report in which Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense H.E. General Prawit Wongsuwan told members of the press that, “Thailand will not be given a red card, and will definitely get the green.”
The statement said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify that today H.E. General Prawit Wongsuwan indeed answered the press’ questions informally but he merely stated that during the latest round of dialogue with the E.U. (17 to 19 May 2016), the E.U. did not reach any decision on the red card or yellow card.”
It continued, “The Royal Thai Government attaches great importance to combatting IUU fishing and has been taking serious and strenuous measures on this matter. Most recently, Thailand has acceded to the FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), which is an international agreement focused on eradicating IUU fishing. Previous dialogues between Thailand and the E..U [have been] based on cordial friendship that respect each other's sovereignty.
“The E.U. has never prescribed Thailand on what measures to implement, but closely exchanged knowledge and experience to deal with the problem. Some advice given by the E.U. have also been based on previous and similar experiences from the E.U.’s members. Nevertheless, it is the decision of the Thai agencies to adopt the E.U.'s recommendations to suit Thailand's context and the situation on the ground,” concluded the ministry’s statement.
