Bangkok: The People's Movement for Fisheries (PMF) is urging the government to provide compensation to 100,000 fishing households and expedite the implementation of a One-Stop Service for license renewals to ease public burdens.

According to Thai News Agency, members of the People's Party held a press conference, calling for immediate government intervention to support over 100,000 fishing households. The press conference, led by Mr. Nattapong Sumanothum along with Mr. Thanatharn Pramoonpong, Mr. Wacharapong Sirirak, and Ms. Narumas Piambandit, emphasized the urgency of the situation due to the severe impact of the energy crisis on the fishing industry, particularly affecting seafood supplies.

The Thai Seafood Market, a key player in the country's seafood industry, is currently experiencing a 40% shortage of raw materials. This shortage has forced many fish processing plants to halt operations, affecting industrial production and employment. High fuel prices have also prevented fishermen from going to sea, aggravating the problem. Additionally, the scarcity of seafood, a major tourist attraction, has negatively impacted tourism.

The representatives highlighted the compounded effects of global warming, which has led to erratic weather patterns and altered the breeding behavior of aquatic animals. This has resulted in a significant decrease in fish populations, causing reduced income and catches for fishermen.

To address these challenges, PMF is calling for the government to implement relief measures for both commercial fishermen, who operate over 9,000 vessels, and artisanal fishermen, representing more than 100,000 families. The organization is also urging the government and relevant agencies, including the Department of Fisheries and the Marine Department, to integrate their efforts to establish a One-Stop Service for license renewals. This initiative aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by the public and support future endeavors in the fishing industry.