Between June 24-28, 2025, 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. Thannicha Lermtong, Manager of the Enhancing People-to-People Connectivity to Address Non-Traditional Security Challenges in the Mekong Region (NTS -Mekong Watch), along with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs division, conducted a field visit to Chiang Rai. The purpose was to monitor the progress of various initiatives, including the NTS-Mekong Watch Project, the Provincial Administration Office Support for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) initiative, and the People-to-People Connectivity Project. The visit aimed to review the implementation, challenges, and recommendations of these projects, particularly the NTS-Mekong Watch Project, which is funded under the 6th Mekong-ROK Cooperation Fund (MKCF) and set to conclude in December 2024.
Highlights of the Visit
Integrated Administration and Security Coordination to Address Emerging Security Threats
The team visited the Provincial Administrative Office in Chiang Rai (Drug Control Command Center) and the district offices of Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, Wiang Kaen, and Thoeng. Discussions were held with the NTS-Mekong Watch Coordination Center (NTS-MWCC), a key mechanism fostering collaboration between administrative and security officials in the area. Participants included district chiefs, senior district officers, village headmen, and representatives from security units such as the Mekong Riverine Peacekeeping Unit, Border Patrol Company 3105, and local police stations.
Key issues discussed included the persistent challenges of drug trafficking, online scams (e.g., call center fraud), cross-border vehicle smuggling, and illegal immigration. These problems are exacerbated by the area’s challenging geography, which makes border surveillance difficult. The collaborative efforts between administrative and security agencies were commended, particularly their unified approach to patrols and checkpoints in border villages, which have resulted in frequent drug trafficking interceptions.
Field Visits to Vulnerable Border Areas
The team conducted site visits to areas prone to drug trafficking and illegal immigration along the Mekong River. The findings highlighted the need for updated border trade points to align with the current lifestyle of local communities. For example, the underutilized trade checkpoint at Ban Rompho Thong, Moo 19, contrasts with the more active use of Ban Romfa Thai, Moo 24. Discussions are underway to relocate the checkpoint to better serve the needs of both Thai and Lao communities while ensuring proper documentation of cross-border movements.
Drug Trafficking Crisis in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai remains a hotspot for drug trafficking due to its proximity to neighboring countries with drug production bases, particularly for methamphetamines. The area’s complex mountainous terrain and the Mekong River provide easy routes for smuggling. This has led to frequent large-scale drug seizures (over 1 million tablets). The prevalence of drug-induced psychiatric conditions among local residents further underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis.
Challenges in Community Engagement
Local residents are often hesitant to report illegal activities due to fear of retaliation, especially since they cannot easily relocate. Language and cultural barriers also pose challenges for officials working in ethnically diverse border areas. Despite these challenges, the integration of efforts between administrative and security agencies has proven effective in tackling major cases.
Fostering Cross-Border Relations
The team observed that overly formal approaches to cross-border collaboration could create barriers, slowing down communication and coordination. Informal communication, such as using Line for real-time discussions between Thai district officials and their counterparts in Bokeo Province, Laos, has been instrumental in addressing cross-border issues efficiently.
Emergency Patient Transfer Agreement: A Milestone in Building Strong Cross-Border Communities
Efforts to improve public health cooperation have led to an agreement for the emergency transfer of patients to hospitals outside of official border crossing hours. This initiative, grounded in humanitarian principles, is a significant step towards building strong cross-border communities.
Joint Firebreak Construction to Combat Cross-Border Haze
One notable achievement was the collaboration between Thai and Lao communities to combat cross-border haze. In 2023, over 200 residents from Ban Chiang Tong, Bokeo Province, Laos, joined Thai villagers from Ban Tab Tao, Thoeng District, Chiang Rai, to construct firebreaks in Phu Chi Fa National Park. This joint effort significantly reduced PM2.5 levels in 2024, demonstrating the effectiveness of such cross-border cooperation.
Future Directions: Enhancing Quality of Life
The visit emphasized the need to expand cross-border relations beyond cultural and sports activities to include vocational training, income generation initiatives, and urban management exchanges. These efforts aim to improve the quality of life for residents on both sides of the border, fostering strong and resilient communities.
The visit provided valuable insights into the multi-faceted challenges faced by border communities and highlighted the importance of integrated efforts between administrative and security agencies. The lessons learned will be used to refine future projects and policies, ensuring inclusive and participatory border management in line with DOPA’s mission to create secure and sustainable communities.
