Department of Fisheries Creates Guidelines for Foreign Seafarer Book Renewal

The Department of Fisheries is implementing new guidelines for renewing seafarer books (Seabook) for foreign workers, following the policy of Thammanat Phromphao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The goal is to strengthen the Thai fishing industry by addressing labor issues. Key guidelines include: 1. Allowing work permit request receipts and payment receipts to be used as temporary documentation for obtaining green Seabook at fishery offices in Bangkok and 22 coastal provinces. 2. Foreign workers must bring their work permits to update their Seabook information. The policy covers two groups of foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam: - Group 1: Work permits extended until March 31, 2024 - Group 2: Work permits extended until February 13, 2024 Fishing operators must also complete immigration and labor documentation procedures within the specified timeframes.