Development of Health Services for Migrant Fishing Workers in Thailand Fishery Boundary: A Case Study of Samut Sakhon Province

Abstract

This research used qualitative research techniques to develop a pilot
model for healthcare using the concept of "health managers" to reach migrant
workers working as fishermen in Thailand fishery boundary, and study of lifestyle
and health problems of foreign fishing boat crews.
There are three main types of fishing trawlers operating in Thailand
fishery boundary: “pair dragnet” trawlers (rueauankhu); encircling net (rueaounlom)
or seine (rueauan dam) trawlers; and mackerel gill net trawlers (rueauanloiplathu).
These trawlers differ in regard to type of machinery used, and the sea and
distance from shore at which they operate, with implications for the safety and
health of their crews. Pair dragnet trawlers spend the longest time at sea. This
research found that most accidents caused by the use of machines occur on
pair dragnet trawlers and encircling net trawlers. For crews on mackerel gill net
trawlers, which operate close to shore, adverse reactions to jellyfish stings, are
the most common medical problem.
This research provided training for development of health managers
which consisted of contents: first aid for accidents; use of common household
medicines; and prevention of disease. A total of 90 crew members were trained,
and floating health stations were established on board five vessels. Most
common complaints treated by Health Care Managers were headaches, fever,
influenza, upset stomach, aches and pains and accidents.
Recommendation is training for development of health managers and
establishment of floating health stations should be expanded to include more
fishing crews, in order to enable them to provide initial care for themselves on
boats before they reach shore. There should be cooperation with Fishing
Associations, or the Fisheries Bureau, in making a regulation that each vessel
should have on board at least one crew member who has passed the health
management course. Also, the network should be developed to support the
work of floating health stations so that they cover the area of all 22 coastal
provinces.