The NTS-MWCC coordinates with various agencies to explore collaborative approaches, seek advice, and assess the current situation regarding different emerging threats in the current context. This aims to ensure that project implementation is comprehensive, offering insights into border management strategies to cope with Non – traditional security challenges and finding development best practices that can be applied to other areas along the Thai-Lao and Thai-Cambodian border, where communities on both sides coexist happily. The NTS-MWCC has engaged with individuals and organizations, including:
March 11,2023 – Pol. Lt. Gen. Dr. Thammasak Wicharaya, the Deputy Secretary-General on Political Affairs of the Prime Minister’s Office (at that time), who played a crucial role in addressing human trafficking issues, leading Thailand to move from Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2. He emphasized the need to educate the public on issues related to criminality, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. Furthermore, he highlighted the shift in human trafficking methods towards forced criminality, especially by various criminal syndicates in the ASEAN region, and stressed the importance of developing a modern incident reporting application for public access.
March 30, 2023 – Mr. Chotipan Jullapech, Director of the Safe Mekong Coordination, Office of the Narcotics Control Board: (ONCB), mentioned the primary goal of the ONCB, which is to ensure that the public does not suffer from the impact of drug-related problems. He acknowledged the complexity of the drug trade and the need for modern solutions. The ONCB has projects similar to the BPP’s, aiming to enhance cooperation with neighboring countries by supporting the Border Liaison Office (BLO) in 28 border areas with Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Lao PDR. They organize meetings to exchange information on drug issues in border areas, summarize the drug situation, and discuss trends in chemical trafficking and smuggling.
March 31 ,2023 – Lt. Gen. Noppanan Chanpradub, the Director of information operation division, the Policy and Security Bureau, Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) stated that his office does not have a direct role in addressing border security issues but serves as a supporting unit that can collaborate with various agencies in the area to address problems collectively. He also highlighted the importance of caution in defining the term “security” as it is a delicate term that requires careful communication with counterpart countries.
April 18,2023- Mr. Ratchaphon Maneelek, the director of anti-human trafficking division, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s (MSDHS), provided insights into addressing human trafficking issues. He emphasized that the best way to tackle human trafficking problems is by solving economic issues, enabling communities to support their families. Additionally, he stressed the necessity of providing education on the NTS to children to equip them with the knowledge to face these challenges.
Furthermore, the NTS-MWCC usually discussed and consulted with Mrs. Apinya Tajit, the Deputy Director of Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre, who received the TIP Report Heroes Award from the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Most of her work involves helping workers who are vulnerable to labour exploitation in the Thai fishing industry.
She provided advice on the current complexity of human trafficking, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many victims fell prey to criminal organization in neighboring countries. Therefore, raising awareness about the signs of human trafficking is crucial. Local leaders and village Headmen in border areas play a significant role in educating communities to prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking syndicates.
In addition, the NST- MWCC also often consulted By Dr. Radthawit Tangkiayphachara, President of the Thai-Cambodian Border Trade and Tourism Association, the initiator of the “Building Strong Cross – Border Communities” project at Ban Laem Checkpoint Border, Pong Namron District, Chantaburi,which is can lead to shared prosperity. If communities are strong and economically robust, the NTS cannot infiltrate and harm the people, destroying the society. The key principles for building strong cross-border communities include providing knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations of the neighboring areas, applying ethics and human values in decision-making, and enforcing laws uniformly to build trust among people on both sides of the border. All of these efforts aim to understanding, Connecting and Development the border areas comprehensively.