March 30, 2006

Thai shrimp farmers ready to protest

Thai shrimp farmers are ready to rally in Bangkok to protest against the Commerce Ministry's inaction to their plight, reported local media on Mar 29.

Surat Thani Shrimp Breeders Association chairman Ekapoj Yodpinij said industry representatives had earlier petitioned Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak to take action against the US before the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for imposing double taxation on Thai shrimp.

They gave the minister 30 days to act but the ministry has done nothing after the deadline has passed, said Ekapoj.

The shrimp farmers is now asking the Commerce Ministry to take the case to WTO within three days or shrimp breeders from across the country will assemble at the Commerce Ministry to protest against the US-Thai Free Trade Area negotiations, he said.