August 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM, under the direction of Ms. Wajiraporn Amatayakul, Director of the Technical Services and Planning Bureau, Ministry of Interior, Ms. Sukhumarn Viriyothin, Director of the Foreign Affairs Division, and the NTS-Mekong Watch project team conducted the third online training session to enhance awareness and response strategies to new security challenges in the Mekong region. This training, held via Zoom, was attended by officials from the Department of Provincial Administration, district chiefs, village heads, and security personnel from targeted districts.

This final session titled “From Awareness to Action: Building Active Citizenship and Policy Advocacy to Tackle NTS in the Mekong” featured Ms. Thippaporn Tantisunthorn, Director of the Institute of Public Policy Studies (IPPS), as the speaker.

The speaker highlighted that “Non tradditional Sucurity- NTS” are complex challenges targeting the public, originating both domestically and internationally. These threats include political instability, poverty, drug trafficking, and online scams, which have become national issues in Thailand and global concerns. Scammers, especially call center gangs, exploit modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake voices, images, and programs, deceiving people and causing significant harm.

As a result, it is crucial for local leaders to empower communities with the knowledge to recognize and respond to these threats. The public plays a pivotal role in driving change and transforming policies into action. This involves transitioning individuals from passive “citizens” to proactive “active citizens” by fostering a culture of civic engagement.

The transformation is gradual:

  1. Citizens gain knowledge and the ability to protect themselves.
  2. They become interested in societal issues and feel compelled to address them.
  3. They actively engage with the government in solving community problems due to the direct impact of these issues on their lives.

This process strengthens cooperation between citizens and authorities, ensuring a collective response to emerging security challenges.

Key Recommendations for Leaders in Border Areas:

  1. Shared Goals: Foster collaboration between the state, citizens, and communities to address mutual concerns.
  2. Ownership and Responsibility: Instill a sense of community ownership and social responsibility among citizens.
  3. Knowledge Dissemination: Provide accurate and timely information about security threats, laws, and protective measures.
  4. Building Networks: Establish platforms for dialogue, such as group meetings or online communication channels.
  5. Operational Teams: Develop action-oriented initiatives, including training, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, with a focus on accessible mediums like local radio or messaging apps.

The session also included interactive discussions where participants proposed practical solutions for issues like drug trafficking, social media misuse, and scam prevention. Many emphasized the importance of maintaining close communication between authorities and the public to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure vigilance.

Participants highlighted the need for state support, such as modern equipment for local leaders, increased recognition and incentives for Village Security Teams (Chor Ror Bor), and greater community engagement in combating threats. It was noted that bolstering local security teams’ morale and capacity could lead to more resilient and self-sufficient communities.

As the training concluded, attendees shared actionable ideas to promote awareness and implement sustainable solutions within their respective areas. The NTS-Mekong Watch project team committed to incorporating these insights into the continued development of the initiative, strengthening cross-border community resilience against emerging security threats.

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