RAYONG, Thailand – Some 920 small-scale fishermen in Rayong are still waiting for more than 752 million baht in compensation for losses linked to the third-phase development of the Map Ta Phut Industrial Port, after seeking assistance for more than three years.
Dr. Somnuek Jongmeewasin, an independent environmental and health academic and research director of the EEC Watch network, said the latest development came after Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat sent a letter to the governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), reporting the outcome of a review of proposed compensation measures.
The Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Office held its first working group meeting on the issue for 2026 on August 27. The meeting approved the proposed assistance criteria and confirmed a list of 920 affected small-scale fishermen, with compensation totalling 752,280,244 baht.
The provincial letter forwarded the review findings and the list of eligible fishermen to the IEAT to prepare detailed documentation and budget copies for submission to the Ministry of Industry and other relevant agencies for further consideration.
The latest progress follows a protest by southern and eastern fishermen outside Government House on June 30, 2026. The group submitted five demands, and Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn pledged to accelerate assistance.
However, the provincial letter marks the submission of the compensation proposal for further administrative consideration, rather than confirmation that payments have been approved or scheduled. The 920 fishermen therefore remain waiting for a clear decision on when the compensation will be authorised and distributed.
