They have seen their livelihoods threatened by the depletion of natural resources as a result of government-promoted commercialism of natural resource exploitation. They have been disadvantaged by the commercial class and victimised by the government's neglect of poor and disadvantaged segments of society.

A recent study by Assoc Prof Kangwan Chantarachote of Kasetsart University, sponsored by the Thailand Research Fund, has shed some light on the plight of the small fisherfolk which, up to now, has been almost invisible.

The study found the fisherfolk suffer problems similar to poor farmers. They are being pushed out and threatened by stronger, larger commercial operations in the race to exploit natural resources. Their cost of operation, including equipment and fuel, has become higher while they have little bargaining leverage against the middlemen. They have few opportunities to earn extra income from other sources and lack access to basic public services.

There are 42,293 households of small fisherfolk, divided into two groups according to the type of vessel they use. Those using row boats operate close to shore, while those using motorised, long-tailed boats operate somewhat further out.

The breadwinners, those in the 25-49 age group, are the largest at 63.4%. However, the below-25 age group is only 19.6%. This means most of those who will become the breadwinners in the next decade have chosen not to continue in their parents' occupation. Traditional fishing has become an endangered occupation.

Most startling is their low education: 80.8% have only primary school education. Only 1% finishes high school and less than half of these go on to finish tertiary education.

Similar handicaps also face Thai farmers. The difference, if it makes any difference at all, is that the farmers have received more media attention, probably because they work on land and thus are more visible.

The blockade of Songkhla Bay by southern small fishermen and their confrontation with the commercial anchovy fishermen is but the latest manifestation of a government policy gone wrong.

This policy has seen the promotion of commercial fishing at the expense of the traditional fisherfolk's way of life and the marine ecology. According to Assoc Prof Kangwan's study, the catch of fish from Thai seas has dropped nearly 14-fold from 277kg an hour 30 years ago to 20kg today.

Is it any wonder that the Thai fishing fleet now must roam international waters in search of fish, often running foul of neighbouring countries' territories? Is it any wonder that the small fisherfolk are up in arms over the threat to their livelihood by the anchovy fleet and its destructive fishing methods?Officials keep pointing out how much their blockade cost the local economy. But have they ever thought about how much the government's commercial fishing policy has cost the small fisherfolk in life and blood? What is their price on the loss of a livelihood?The recent handwringing by the National Fishery Policy Committee when it appointed a panel to spend another four months to study the dispute represents another victory for the commercial anchovy fishing lobby and another time bomb.

No matter what solution is arrived at, if the policy remains as short-sighted as it is, new conflicts will emerge and possibly escalate into violent confrontations. The cost to the country in terms of life, money and marine biological diversity will be hard to imagine.

*Wasant Techawongtham is Deputy News Editor for Environment and Urban Affairs, Bangkok Post.