His factory in Samut Sakhon province was visited yesterday by officials from the Command Centre for Combating Illegal Fishing after contracts with pre-processing outsourcing factories were terminated.

Thai Union turned more than 450 outsourced workers into permanent staff in a bid to comply with restrictions on illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Chief of staff said.

The team from the Command Centre for Combating Illegal Fishing led by Navy spokesman Captain Benjamaporn Wongnakornsawang explained that the visit responded to IUU requirements for controls on processing factorites.

Last year, the European Union issued a “yellow card” to Thailand for poor practices in the fishing industry.

Benjamaporn said the traceability system at the Thai Union factory met the right standards, as every aspect of production could be traced, starting from the fishing boats to the final production step. He added that the company has been providing good care to its employees and also providing such things as a gym and ambuance.

He also said the authorities have almost completed 80 per cent of the IUU requirements in terms of law and policy. Thai Union is among the 119 companies that have been checked to see if they comply with EU requirements ahead of EU representatives’ visit from January 18 to 22.