The Economic Process and Changes of Commercial Fishing, Satun Province, 1987-2004

Abstract

This article intends to elaborate the historical development of Satun province’s economy between year 1987 and 2004, which was affected by the growth of commercial fishery. Such development resulted in economic changes in Satun province. Firstly, it reflects the importance of private sector in commercial fishing business, especially in fishing pier business, the key factor in Satun’s economic development. Secondly, the study found growing relationship in terms of collaboration between local fishermen and private sectors. By working with private sectors owing fishing pier business, local fishermen changed their status to entrepreneurs. Further expansion of local economy was seen in technological development in food preservation as local marine products were distributed to distant markets. Fishery industry plays a vital role in the emergence of economical networking which in turn stimulate the cycle of commercial fishery in Satun.