Workshop: 10th Anniversary of the P-to-P Project – A Decade of DOPA’s People Diplomacy X Finale Forum: Strengthening P-to-P Connectivity through the NTS-Mekong Watch
The workshop, held from September 9–11, 2024, marked the 10th anniversary of the P-to-P Project and served as a platform to summarize the outcomes of the NTS-Mekong Watch project.
A key highlight was the experience-sharing session and the presentation of best practices under the theme, “Voice from the Field – Stories of Change and Success.” These stories showcased the evolution of building strong cross-border communities, transitioning from a security-focused approach—emphasizing cooperation in combating transnational crime—to “Beyond Border” collaboration across other dimensions such as public health, environment, education, and social development.
The event featured success stories from five key model areas.
- Leading the Way: Bridging Communities and Strengthening Security in the Mekong
Chiang Khan District,Loei province has systematically planned cross-border operations and parallel area cooperation with Xanakham District, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR, based on people-to-people diplomacy that focuses on resolving the issues of local people through consultations, visits, and participation in religious and cultural activities.
The security cooperation between the two areas includes combating cross-border drug trafficking and illegal immigration through natural routes. The strong relationship between the leaders in these parallel areas, built through collaboration and mutual visits, has led to continuous coordination on various issues that extend beyond borders.
This approach has brought about peace and improved living conditions for people in both the Thai and Lao border areas, serving as a successful example of sustainable cooperation in the Mekong region. - Healthcare Cooperation: Cross-Border Patient Transfer Drills – Ensuring Safety on Both Sides
Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province, in cooperation with the Sisaket Provincial Health Office and relevant agencies, implemented a cross-border patient transfer drill to improve safety for people on both sides of the border.
In the past, over 250,000 to 300,000 Cambodians traveled annually to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Sisaket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani. However, the mountainous area around the Chong Sangam border has seen frequent road accidents, making patient transfer across the border a major challenge.
The project organized a joint virtual simulation drill between Thailand and Cambodia at the New Chong Sangam Passenger Terminal, Chong Sangam Permanent Border Checkpoint, and Highway 2201, which connects to Udom Mechai and Siem Reap Province in Cambodia.
The outcome of the project was to create a clear understanding of the roles, procedures, and processes for cross-border patient transfer, as well as the handling of border-crossing formalities between officials from both countries. This lays an important foundation for a cross-border healthcare system that will help reduce loss and improve the safety of people on both sides in the future.
- Education Cooperation: Waste Management Field Visit – The Beginning of Sustainable Urban Development
Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province, continued the cooperation from the Mekong Linkage Workshop by welcoming a group of professors and students from the National University of Laos for a field visit on waste management (Sustainable Environmental City).
This visit covered important processes including waste sorting, plastic compaction, and the creation of high-efficiency composting bins, as well as a visit to a successful community that practices waste sorting and management in tourist areas.
This cooperation not only promotes environmental education but also builds relationships between the people in the border areas of both countries, which will lead to sustainable community development together in the future. - Labor Importation under Section 64: Solutions to Illegal Immigration – Win-Win Solutions for Thailand and Neighboring Countries
Pong Nam Ron District, Chantaburi province, has implemented the Foreign Workers Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017), Section 64, and the Cabinet Resolution on November 16, 2021, which approved the importation of Cambodian workers to work in Chanthaburi Province to address the labor shortage in the agricultural sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, reduce illegal labor, and ensure proper medical checks for workers.
This cooperation has created Win-Win Solutions for the parallel areas, as Thailand has legally addressed the labor shortage in agriculture, while Cambodian workers have the opportunity to work and earn income to support their families. This partnership not only supports the economy but also enhances security and quality of life for people in both border areas sustainably. - Environmental Cooperation: Cross-Border Firebreak – Preventing Wildfires and Addressing Transboundary PM2.5 Pollution
Theung District, Chiang Rai Province, initiated cooperation with the parallel area of Chiang Tong Village, Kob District, Lao PDR, to create a firebreak near Phu Chifa after a major wildfire in March 2023.
In March 2024, both areas conducted a joint “Cross-Border Firebreak” activity, with a remarkable highlight being 200 villagers from Lao PDR who trekked for over three hours up Phu Chifa Mountain, despite many being elderly. They were determined to work alongside over 200 villagers from Tab Tao Subdistrict, Theung District.
This activity not only helped prevent wildfires in the Phu Chifa area but also effectively addressed the PM2.5 smoke issue. As a result of this cooperation, PM2.5 levels significantly decreased in 2024, from over 200 µg/m³ to over 100 µg/m³.
This activity also reflects the strong relationship between the people in the Thai-Laos border areas and serves as an example of cross-border cooperation that leads to sustainable development for both sides of the border in the future.
The concluding meeting of the NTS-Mekong Watch project was a chance to review the progress with officials and target areas, looking ahead to further expand the concept of addressing new security threats to other border areas across the country. Protecting border communities means protecting the nation.
