THAILAND'S INVASIVE SPECIES LEGAL GAP: A CASE STUDY OF THE BLACKCHIN TILAPIA (SAROTHERODON MELANOTHERON)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6071Keywords:
Aquatic Animals, Biosecurity, Legal Framework, Precautionary Principle, ThailandAbstract
Thailand has struggled to control invasive alien species (IAS), which are among the top five most critical drivers of global biodiversity loss. Despite being a vital biodiversity hotspot, Thailand lacks a specific law on IAS, leading to numerous ecological and economic crises. In an effort to examine this problem, the authors undertook a qualitative documentary research approach, combining doctrinal analysis of the law and a case study of Thailand’s Blackchin Tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) outbreak. A comparative legal analysis was conducted to compare the legislative frameworks of Thailand and Japan. The analysis disclosed three connected structural faults. These included (1) the ‘blacklist’ (prohibited list) system makes the importation of any species not yet formally regulated possible, an act that opposes the Precautionary Principle; (2) institutional authority is weak in the customs, fisheries, and livestock agencies because of institutional fragmentation, resulting in enforcement gaps; and (3) the statutory definition of ‘pollution’ does not extend to biological invasions, restricting the provisions for strict liability on IAS damages. However, Japan's UAS (Uncategorized Alien Species) system offers a superior proactive model. This article provides a critical legal perspective on Thailand's IAS Unique Contribution, offering practical ideas for legislative amendments, with specific processes and suggestions.
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