Thailand and Australia Sign MOU to Combat International Drug Trafficking

webfact · July 25, 2023

On July 25, 2023, a high-profile gathering was held at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, overseen by Mr. Thanakorn Kainan, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board.

This assembly convened Thai and Australian authorities jointly operating under a specialized collaborative endeavor. Their core focus revolved around concerted efforts aimed at countering drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational crimes, reported INN.

A consequential outcome of their joint efforts resulted in the formalization of an elongated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to elevate the efficacy of their actions against far-reaching international drug networks.

Notably, Mr. Thanakorn emphasized that the MOU traces its origins back to a foundational agreement inked on May 30, 2559, during the tenure of Mr. Piboon Kumchaya, the Minister of Justice at that time.

This pivotal accord sought to stimulate cohesive partnerships between the authorities of Thailand and Australia to combat drug-related issues, notably targeting cross-border drug networks with widespread global impacts intertwined with diverse transnational criminal activities encompassing cybercrime, human trafficking, arms trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering.

Under this joint operation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), out of the 20 completed operations, 6 have resulted in the arrest of 55 suspects and 13 wanted individuals. Authorities have seized over 13 tons of narcotics and assets worth more than 51 million Baht.

The successful apprehensions of key suspects and the exchange of information have strengthened cooperation in apprehending and seizing fugitives both in Thailand and Australia. This effective collaboration has led the five regional countries to approve a two-year extension of the joint operation, effective until July 18, 2028.

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