Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Trafficking of Fishermen in Southeast Asia: Sovereignty Questions and Regional Challenges

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Human Security and Cross-Border Cooperation in East Asia

Part of the book series: Security, Development and Human Rights in East Asia ((SDHRP))

Abstract

Thousands of fishermen have fallen prey to human traffickers and have been found on distant Indonesian islands. This humanitarian disaster not only uncovered the problem of modern-day slavery but also revealed practices once considered normal but now unsustainable, within the fishing industry. The authors distinguish between three categories of sovereignty and argue that the affected ASEAN countries should compromise some of the sovereignty principle in order to effectively address the international crime of human trafficking. Rehabilitation, justice and public awareness are greatly needed to tackle the issue, and all of these activities should be coordinated by ASEAN.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alford, Peter, and Gita Athika. 2015. ‘Forced Labor and Slavery among Indonesia’s Foreign Fishermen.’ The Australian, August 7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anti-human Trafficking Network (ATN). 2015. ‘Open Letter to the Prime Minister of Thailand.’ Accessed March 15, 2017. http://oknation.nationtv.tv/blog/print.php?id=952026.

  • ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). 2016. Regional Review on Laws, Policies and Practices within ASEAN Relating to the Identification, Management and Treatment of Victims of Trafficking, Especially Women and Children. Jakarta: The ASEAN Secretariat.

    Google Scholar 

  • Associated Press. 2015. ‘4,000 Foreign Fishermen Stranded on Remote Indonesian Islands.’ The Guardian, March 28. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/28/4000-foreign-fishermen-stranded-on-remote-indonesian-islands.

  • Chantavanich, Supang, Samam Laodumrongchai, and Christina Stringer. 2016. ‘Under the Shadow: Forced Labor among Sea Fishers in Thailand.’ Marine Policy 68: 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charoensuthipan, Penchan. 2016. ‘Stranded Thai Fishermen Fear Return: Dread Taking on Debt if they Leave Islands.’ Bangkok Post, October 25.

    Google Scholar 

  • CHS (Commission on Human Security). 2003. Human Security Now. New York: Commission on Human Security.

    Google Scholar 

  • David, Fiona. 2009. ‘Research on Trafficking in Persons in South East Asia: A Comment on Recent Trends, along with Remaining Gaps and Challenges.’ In Human Trafficking: New Directions for Research, edited by Christine Agharzam and Franck Laczko, et al. Geneva: International Organization for Migration.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dillon, Paul. 2015. Over 500 New Human Trafficking Victims Identified in Indonesia since Benjina ‘Slave Fisheries’ Exposed. Accessed April 28, 2017. https://indonesia.iom.int/over-500-new-human-trafficking-victims-identified-indonesia-benjina-%E2%80%98slave-fisheries%E2%80%99-exposed.

  • Environmental Justice Foundation. 2015. Thailand’s Seafood Slaves: Human Trafficking, Slavery and Murder in Kantang’s Fishing Industry. London: The Environmental Justice Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. 2016. ‘Questions and Answers on the EU’s Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.’ European Commission Fact Sheet, April 21. http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-1460_en.htm.

  • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). 2016a. The State of World Fishery and Aquaculture 2016: Contributing to Food Security and Nutrition for All. Rome: Food and Agricultural Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). 2016b. Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics 2014. Rome: Food and Agricultural Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feingold, David A. 2013. ‘Trafficking, Trade and Migration: Mapping Human Trafficking in the Mekong Region.’ In An Atlas of Trafficking in Southeast Asia, edited by Pierre Arnaud Chouvy, 53–88. London: I. B. Tauris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gallagher, Anne. 2010. The International Law of Human Trafficking. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Husein, Yunus. 2015. Strategy on Combating IUU Fishing and Post Moratorium Policy Plan. Accessed October 25, 2017. http://www.fishcrime.info/assets/Uploads/Yunus-Husein-Indonesian-Approach-To-Tackling-Fisheries-Crime.pdf.

  • IOM (International Organization for Migration). 2011. Trafficking of Fishermen in Thailand. Bangkok: International Organization for Migration.

    Google Scholar 

  • IOM (International Organization for Migration). 2015a. ‘Rescue Mission for Stranded ‘Slave’ Fishermen Begins on Remote Indonesian Islands.’ Accessed October 24, 2017. https://www.iom.int/news/rescue-mission-stranded-slave-fishermen-begins-remote-indonesian-islands.

  • IOM (International Organization for Migration). 2015b. ‘IOM, Indonesia Cooperates on Maritime Security as Trafficking Victims Head Home.’ Accessed October 24, 2017. https://indonesia.iom.int/iom-indonesia-cooperate-maritime-security-trafficking-victims-head-home.

  • Jones, Loring, David Engstrom, Patricia Hilliard, and Decha Sungakawan. 2011. ‘Human Trafficking between Thailand and Japan: Lessons in Recruitment, Transit and Control.’ International Journal of Social Welfare 20: 203–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kara, Siddharth. 2009. Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krasner, Stephen. 1999. Sovereignty: Organized Hypocrisy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Krasner, Stephen. 2001. Problematic Sovereignty: Contested Rules and Political Possibilities. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Labor Rights Promotion Network. 2007. ‘From Facilitation to Trafficking: Brokers and Agents.’ Accessed March 22, 2017. http://un-act.org/publication/view/siren-th-1-facilitation-trafficking/.

  • Lainez, Nicolas. 2010. ‘Representing Sex Trafficking in Southeast Asia? The Victim Staged.’ In Sex Trafficking, Human Rights and Social Justice, edited by Tiantian Zheng. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Roux, Pierre, Jean Baffie, and Gilles Beullier, eds. 2010. The Trade in Human Beings for Sex in Southeast Asia: A General Statement of Prostitution and Trafficked Women and Children. Chiang Mai: White Lotus Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marschke, Melissa, and Peter Vandergeest. 2016. ‘Slavery Scandals: Unpacking Labor Challenges and Policy Responses within the Off-shore Fisheries Sector.’ Marine Policy 68: 39–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matichon. 2010. Issara sad makan sairary Thai prab rod radab karn khamanut [Minister Issara Accuses the US of Defamation of Thailand by Downgrading in TIP Report]. Matichon, September 15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matichon. 2015. Adul yeam lukrua pramong Indo [Minister Adul Visited Repatriated Thai Fishermen]. Matichon, April 12.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowell, Robin, and Margie Mason. 2015. ‘Over 300 Slaves Rescued from Indonesia Island after AP Investigation into Forced Labor.’ Accessed March 25, 2017. https://www.ap.org/explore/seafood-from-slaves/over-300-slaves-rescued-from-Indonesia-island-after-ap-investigation.html.

  • McDowell, Robin, Margie Mason, and Martha Mendoza. 2015. ‘AP Investigation: Slaves May Have Caught the Fish You Bought.’ Accessed March 25, 2017. https://www.ap.org/explore/seafood-from-slaves/ap-investigation-slaves-may-have-caught-the-fish-you-bought.html.

  • Molland, Sverre. 2012. The Perfect Business? Anti-trafficking and the Sex Trade along the Mekong. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Mon, Myat. 2010. ‘Burma Labor Migration into Thailand: Governance of Migration and Labor Rights.’ Journal of Asia Pacific Economy 15 (1): 33–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Na Thalang, Jeerawat. 2015a. ‘The Graveyard of Fishermen.’ Bangkok Post, March 29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Na Thalang, Jeerawat. 2015b. ‘Most Thai Fishermen in Indonesian Waters Volunteers.’ Bangkok Post, May 21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naewna. 2016. Lun Thai phon tier sam: Rattaban wo kae kha manut job laew, nad thalang phonngan wan jan nee [Supporting Thailand to be Upgraded from Tier 3: Government Proclaims the End of Human Trafficking, to Have Official Press Release This Monday]. Naewna, January 9. http://m.naewna.com/view/breakingnews/196555.

  • Nonnenmacher, Sophie. 2014. ‘Trafficking at Sea: The Situation of Enslaved Fishermen in Southeast Asia.’ In Human Trafficking in Asia: Forging Issues, edited by Sallie Yea. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phujadkarn Raiwan. 2004. Khon hai: Antarai an na saprung krua [Missing People: Extremely Dangerous Threat]. Phujadkarn Raiwan, February 18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phujadkarn Raiwan. 2005. Hun Sen Mai Son Saharat Rueng Khamanut: Bok dee laew ko yang pen Kampuchea [Hun Sen Indifferent to US TIP Report: Say for Better or Worse Still Be Cambodia]. Phujadkarn Raiwan, June 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pimthai. 2015. Prawit rang kae khamanut 6 duen: Yon nabobai Adul nam team chuay lookrua tee Indonesia duan [Prawit to Speed Up Anti-human Trafficking in 6 Months: Delegate Minister Adul to Repatriate Fishermen from Indonesia]. Pimthai, March 27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radio Free Asia. 2015a. ‘Trafficked Cambodians Return Home after Years on Thai Fishing Boats.’ Radio Free Asia, June 18. http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/trafficked-cambodians-return-home-after-years-on-thai-fishing-boats-06182015131239.html.

  • Radio Free Asia. 2015b. ‘Dozens of Trafficking Victims Return to Cambodia, Refuse to Speak with Media.’ Radio Free Asia, June 2. http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/trafficking-06022015170937.html.

  • Robertson, Phil. 2015. ‘New Paradigm for a Changing Migration Landscape.’ Presented to the Conference to Commemorate International Migrant Days, Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok, December 18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robertson, Phil. 2016. ‘Migration and Trafficking.’ Presented to the Sub-regional Consultation Workshop on Achieving SDG Target 8.7. Bangkok, September 14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Royal Thai Government. 2016. Update Trafficking in Persons Report 2015: The Royal Thai Government response 1 January–31 March. Bangkok: Royal Thai Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saning, Yen. 2015. ‘Trafficked Fishermen Arrive in Rangoon from Indonesia.’ The Irrawaddy, May 15. http://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/trafficked-fishermen-arrive-in-rangoon-from-indonesia.html.

  • Shelley, Louise. 2010. Human Trafficking: A Global Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Shrimp Sustainable Supply Chain Task Force. 2016. How the Task Force Is Leading Thailand’s Seafood Supply Chain towards a More Sustainable Pathway. Bangkok: Shrimp Sustainable Supply Chain Task Force, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solidarity Center. 2009. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Migrant Fishing Boat Workers in Thailand. Washington, DC: American Center for International Labor Solidarity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soontarodom, Narut. 2016. Botbat khong satanthoot Thai na Krung Jakarta nai karn jadkarn punha darn pramong Thai-Indonesia nai samai khong pratanathipadi Joko Widodo [Role of the Royal Thai Embassy, Jakarta in Solving the Fishery Conflict between Thailand and Indonesia during the Presidency of Joko Widodo]. Individual Study, Foreign Affairs Executive Program. Bangkok: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorajjakool, Siroj. 2013. Human Trafficking in Thailand: Current Issues, Trends, and the Role of the Thai Government. Chiang Mai: Silkworm Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Srakaew, Sompong et al. 2015. A Report on Migrant Children and Child Laborers in Thailand’s Fishing and Seafood Processing Industry. Bangkok: Labor Rights Protection Network Foundation and Terres des Hommes Germany.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka, Akihiko. 2015. ‘Toward a Theory of Human Security.’ JICA-RI Working Paper No. 91. Accessed March 25, 2017. https://www.jica.go.jp/jica-ri/publication/workingpaper/jrft3q000000267e-att/JICA-RI_WP_No.91.pdf.

  • Tangprachyakul, Patima. 2015. The Special Report on Operation Saving Workers from Fishing Boats from Indonesia. Samut Sakhon: Labor Rights Promotion Network and Seafarers Action Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thaipost. 2016. Reng kae khamanut: Faikuaw rang kotmai ud chongwow khakhadi [Speed Up Combating Human Trafficking: Green Light for the Draft Law to Fill the Prosecution Loophole]. Thaipost, January 13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thairath. 2015. Nayok Tu ting tam khao kratob khamanut [Prime Minister Prayuth Warns Reporting on Human Trafficking]. Thairath, March 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNIAP (United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking). 2009. Exploitation of Cambodian Men at Sea: Facts about the Trafficking of Cambodian Men Onto Thai Fishing Boats. New York: United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations. 2016. ‘Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Status of Ratification).’ Accessed May 28, 2016. https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XVIII-12-a&chapter=18&clang=_en.

  • UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). 2004. United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocols Thereto. New York: United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Surangrut Jumnianpol

  2. Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

    Nithi Nuangjamnong

  3. Labour Rights Promotion Network Foundation (LPN), Samut Sakhon, Thailand

    Sompong Srakaew

Authors
  1. Surangrut Jumnianpol
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nithi Nuangjamnong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sompong Srakaew
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Surangrut Jumnianpol .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

    Carolina G. Hernandez

  2. Graduate School of International Studies, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea (Republic of)

    Eun Mee Kim

  3. Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan

    Yoichi Mine

  4. Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

    Ren Xiao

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Jumnianpol, S., Nuangjamnong, N., Srakaew, S. (2019). Trafficking of Fishermen in Southeast Asia: Sovereignty Questions and Regional Challenges. In: Hernandez, C., Kim, E., Mine, Y., Xiao, R. (eds) Human Security and Cross-Border Cooperation in East Asia. Security, Development and Human Rights in East Asia. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95240-6_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation