The Cabinet approved 16 million baht to collaborate with Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to intercept drug trafficking at its source.

The Cabinet approved 16 million baht to join forces with Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to enhance drug interdiction, combat precursors, and dismantle transnational drug networks in the Golden Triangle area.

On August 5, 2569 at 14.22:XNUMX p.m. Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Government Spokesperson revealed that The Cabinet approved a project to strengthen and enhance cooperation with neighboring countries in intercepting narcotics and dismantling international drug trafficking networks for the fiscal year 2569, with a total budget of 16 million baht. As proposed by the Ministry of Justice, through the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), this aims to support cooperation with Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam in intercepting narcotics, precursors, and chemicals, as well as suppressing transnational drug trafficking networks from their point of origin before they are smuggled into Thailand's borders and interior areas.

The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the current drug situation in the Golden Triangle remains a cause for concern. The area has developed into a large-scale synthetic drug production center, linked to transnational criminal networks, and attempting to use Thailand as both a transit point and a destination country. Therefore, the government prioritizes proactive prevention, establishing interdiction measures outside the country coupled with domestic suppression efforts to reduce the amount of drugs that may enter communities.

“Effective drug interdiction cannot wait until drugs reach the Thai border. It requires cooperation with neighboring countries from the source, including disrupting precursor chemicals, seizing drugs along the routes, and dismantling trafficking networks. This support is therefore a strategic investment to protect public safety and reduce the impact of drug problems within the country,” said Ms. Lalida.

The project aims to support interdiction and suppression operations for narcotics, precursors, and chemicals in the Mekong sub-region; promote the implementation of the Safe Mekong Action Plan; develop human resources and drug identification systems; and strengthen relationships, trust, and coordination among drug control agencies in each country.

The operational framework is divided into three main areas: interception and suppression of narcotics, precursors, and chemicals, by enhancing the efficiency of checkpoints, inspection points, and roadblocks along transportation routes and border areas; prevention and treatment, by strengthening the participation of villages and communities along the border in drug surveillance; and the development of a Safe Mekong Coordination Center as a central mechanism for information exchange and coordinated joint operations.

The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the budget will support essential missions of each country, such as joint operations in high-risk areas, supporting interdiction teams, fuel costs, chemical detection equipment, drug testing kits, the development of forensic systems, and officer training to enhance the capability of detecting and stopping drugs before they enter Thailand.

Myanmar will support bilateral and joint anti-drug operations in key areas such as Mandalay, Bago, Yangon, and Eastern Shan State, as well as providing chemical detection equipment and safety training in chemical handling. Laos will focus on supporting border interdiction operations and the implementation of parallel village or "white village" projects. Vietnam will concentrate on developing precursor control, drug identification, and the capacity of personnel at the Mekong Safe Coordinating Center.

The Cabinet also approved granting the Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board the authority to review and approve projects, plans, and activities within the allocated budget framework, in order to ensure operational flexibility and adaptability to the situation. Furthermore, it approved guidelines for transferring financial support to Myanmar through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon in case direct transfers encounter difficulties, provided that all procedures are strictly followed in accordance with financial laws, regulations, and guidelines.

Ms. Lalida further stated that the government has continuously implemented cooperation projects of this nature since fiscal year 2558 because it has clearly seen that supporting neighboring countries to enhance their capacity in suppressing and intercepting drugs directly reduces risks to Thailand. It also helps maintain Thailand's leading role in driving drug cooperation in the Mekong sub-region.

“The government affirms its commitment to continuing the crackdown on drug trafficking at its source, during transit, and at its destination, utilizing law enforcement, intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and international cooperation to prevent drugs from entering communities, reduce losses to families, and create tangible safety for the public,” said the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister.

refer : thaigov.go.th

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