Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai government is strengthening security measures in 21 border provinces to combat transnational crime, particularly cybercrime, human trafficking and drug trafficking.
Permanent Secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Interior Arsit Sampantharat said the Border Security Coordination Centre, chaired by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Gen. Ukrit Boontanon, has agreed on measures to tackle three pressing security threats along the country's borders: call centre scam syndicates, online gambling, and human trafficking and drug-related crimes.
Arsit said the measures were introduced under the direction of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), with the aim of strengthening the protection of people's lives and property while improving security management in border areas.
The Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent directive to governors of the 21 provinces bordering Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia, instructing them to draw up action plans tailored to local conditions. The plans are to be coordinated with police and other relevant agencies, focusing on three key areas: prevention, suppression and victim assistance.
The ministry also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards officials involved in criminal activities. Arsit said any official, regardless of rank, found to have aided illegal operations or accepted illicit benefits would face strict disciplinary action as well as criminal prosecution.
The move comes as Thailand intensifies its crackdown on transnational crime in border areas, particularly online scam networks, human and drug trafficking, which the government considers major threats to national security and public safety./.
