The Marine Engineering Section of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/TD), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Thailand, organized a technical meeting on 9 March 2026 at the Fisheries Monitoring Center (FMC), DOF headquarters in Bangkok. Co-chaired by SEAFDEC/TD and Mr. Aekkarat Wongkeaw, Senior Fisheries Specialist from the DOF, the meeting focused on a presentation by Thaicom Public Company Limited regarding innovative fishing vessel tracking devices. The session aimed to evaluate the specifications, durability, and cost-effectiveness of these devices, as well as to gather information on their limitations and monthly service fees. This initiative is part of the ‘Alternative Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) for Commercial Small-scale Fishing Vessels in Thailand’ project.
The data collected will be compiled into a comprehensive comparative study report to provide a basis for informed decision-making by the DOF Thailand in selecting the most efficient tracking technology. This initiative reflects the Department of Fisheries’ strong commitment to upgrading its monitoring systems, particularly for the small-scale fishing sector. By identifying high-quality and cost-effective devices, SEAFDEC/TD and the DOF aim to strengthen fisheries surveillance capabilities and promote sustainable resource management. Ultimately, this project reinforces Thailand’s ongoing strategic efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through advanced technological integration.
