From August 9–14, 2024, under the direction of Ms. Wajiraporn Amatayakul, Director of the Technical Services and Planning Bureau at the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, Ms. Sukhumarn Viriyothin, Director of the Foreign Affairs Division, along with the NTS – Mekong Watch project core team, conducted field visits. These visits were to Amnat Charoen Province at Chanuman District Office and Ubon Ratchathani Province at the district offices of Khong Chiam, Na Tan, Pho Sai, Sirindhorn, Boontharik, and Nam Yuen, which are key target areas. The purpose was to meet and hold discussions with district chiefs and security officials to monitor the progress of the NTS-Mekong Watch project. The visit also included filming a video on public participation in addressing non-traditional security challenges.

The team reported that the NTS-Mekong Watch project, including fostering cross-border relationships and establishing coordination centers, is proceeding smoothly. Particularly successful is the collaboration with parallel areas in Laos, such as Sanasomboun, Soukkhouma, Lak Samphong, Song Khon, Phon Thong, and Kong Sedone. Activities have focused on strengthening ties through security cooperation, sports, culture, and education under the “People-to-People Connectivity” framework.

However, in Nam Yuen District, paired with Choam Khsant District in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, border security issues related to unclear demarcation at the Chong An Ma  An Ma trade checkpoint and protests by Thai security forces (Suranaree Task Force) have disrupted activities. Coordination with Thai security officials for permission to proceed is ongoing.

Findings:

  1. Drug trafficking across borders in the region is relatively minimal compared to northern Thailand. However, significant smuggling of vehicles and motorcycles to the opposite side has been identified, and authorities are exploring solutions to this issue jointly.
  2. The prevalence of drug abuse has led to a surge in psychiatric cases, which remains a pressing concern due to a lack of sustainable mental health treatment facilities. Local officials proposed establishing provincial centers with adequate budgets to tackle this issue effectively.
  3. Frequent personnel transfers in Ubon Ratchathani’s border districts have disrupted the continuity of operations, hindering trust-building among stakeholders. It was suggested that officials’ tenure in such areas be extended and that two officers per district be assigned to handle fieldwork and documentation simultaneously.

Local Administration Efforts: Efforts to build  strong cross-border communities have been recognized, including:

  • Promoting legal and regulatory awareness.
  • Applying humanitarian principles to resolve public grievances.
  • Enforcing laws equitably in cases of serious offenses.

The team also visited trade facilitation checkpoints and traditional border crossings along the Mekong River and land routes, providing a clearer understanding of community interactions in parallel areas. Insights and experiences gathered during this visit will inform the development of the NTS-Mekong Watch project going forward.