Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Police chiefs from ten ASEAN member countries have concluded the 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference in Bangkok with a joint commitment to intensify efforts against cross-border crimes, especially online scams and human trafficking. The event ended on 6 November 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, where delegates endorsed the Bangkok Declarationaimed at dismantling scam networks and protecting citizens across Southeast Asia.

 

The conference, held under the theme “Collaboration in Action: Crushing Scams, Disrupting Fraud and Protecting People”, took place from 3–6 November in Bangkok. Chaired by Thailand’s National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, the closing ceremony was attended by senior Thai police officials including Pol Gen Krachai Klaiklueng, Pol Lt Gen Yingyos Thepjamnong, and Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong, along with representatives from ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and observers.

 

Delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam signed a joint statement pledging cooperation in combating eight major categories of transnational crime: drug trafficking, arms smuggling, terrorism, human trafficking, wildlife crime, financial crime, cybercrime and maritime crime. The declaration places particular emphasis on tackling scam syndicates and human exploitation rings that have proliferated across the region.

 

In addition, member states agreed to deepen collaboration in four operational areas, the ASEANAPOL electronic database system, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, police personnel exchange and training programmes and the ASEAN Police Forensic Science Network. Delegates formally endorsed the Bangkok Declaration on the Elimination of Scam Centres Linked to Human Trafficking for Forced Criminality, marking a new phase in ASEAN’s regional law enforcement cooperation.

 

The meeting also saw the appointment of new ASEANAPOL leaders for the 2026–2027 term. Pol Col Kongkrit Kittithiraphong of Thailand’s Royal Thai Police was named the 9th Executive Director, while Pol Col Jean Mary A. Mangahis of the Philippine National Police was appointed the 7th Director of Plans and Programmes. Delegates expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Police for their hospitality and effective organisation of the event.

 

Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet emphasised that online scams, call-centre frauds, and related human trafficking activities pose serious threats to citizens across ASEAN, urging police forces to act decisively. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the conference would enhance coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operations against criminal networks operating within and beyond national borders. The next ASEANAPOL Conference, the 44th, will be hosted by the Philippine National Police in 2026.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• ASEAN police chiefs signed the Bangkok Declaration to strengthen cross-border action against scams and human trafficking.

• Thailand’s Pol Col Kongkrit Kittithiraphong was appointed ASEANAPOL’s new Executive Director for 2026–2027.

• The Philippines will host the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference next year.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-11-07

 

 

 

 

Oh good...a united force of ASEAN police to stop scammers.......scammers are super smart today...hope these guys are!

...and for the right price, these "police chiefs" will look the other way.