Policy Realignment for the Implementation of the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines in Thailand

The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to small-scale fisheries. Given that the SSF Guidelines are strongly rooted in good governance principles, their implementation requires commitment and considerable efforts from governments as lead agencies. To help facilitate the process in Thailand, this chapter analyzes the laws, policies, and legal frameworks in the country, appraising the extent to which they promote or inhibit viability and sustainability of small-scale fisheries based on the consistency of these frameworks with key principles stipulated in the SSF Guidelines. Drawing on available information in government databases, reputable websites, and relevant literatures, the analysis reveals that stakeholder participation; economic, social, and environmental sustainability; and ecosystem-based approaches are well-covered areas under the main fisheries legislation—the 2015 Royal Ordinance on Fishery. Specifically, economic, social, and environmental sustainability are explicitly specified in the Fishery Management Plan, the 20-year National Strategic Plan, and 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan. While issues such as human rights and dignity, respect of culture, nondiscrimination, gender equality and equity, equity and equality, rule of law, transparency, and accountability are not directly addressed in the current fisheries law, they can be found in non-fisheries specific legislations. While it may seem that Thailand is in a relatively good position to implement the SSF Guidelines within the context of existing institutions, further deliberation about some key governing principles and how to integrate them in the current legal framework is required in order to move forward.