Thailand’s failure to ratify the upcoming Maritime Labour Convention could cost it dear, the chairman of the Thai Shipowners’ Association has warned. The convention becomes reality on August 20, and Thai-flagged ships could be banned from docking at certain ports around the world, Bhumindr Harinsuit told local media.

Thailand has not ratified the convention but could issue certificates to ships as a temporary relief. "If the Marine Department cannot issue 14 certificates for compliance before the deadline, at least 300 Thai-flagged vessels are at risk of being detained in other countries' ports under new enforcement regulations," said Bhumindr, who is also the managing director of Harinsuit Transport Co.

"Shipowners are bracing for a massive loss if our ships are detained at other ports," said Bhumindr. He called on the Thai government to ratify the labour convention as soon as possible through ministerial regulations governing local seafarers but acknowledged it would need at least one year to come into compliance. One solution is for Thai shipowners to register their ships under another country's flag.

His main concern is that 25,000 Thai seafarers are at risk of unemployment.