Nong Khai (Thailand), 18 March 2021 - A joint team of UNODC and Thai authorities completed a two-day assessment of the border with Lao PDR in the northeast of Thailand to examine and consider recent trafficking patterns and organized crime developments.
The route from Udon Thani to Nong Khai and along the Mekong River
Regional Representative Jeremy Douglas and Surasakmontri Task Force Commander Major General Boonsin Padklang discuss the situation on the border with Laos and the significant increase in trafficking the last year
Programme officers Suchaya Mokkasen and Inshik Sim brief a meeting with the Thai Navy Riverine Unit
Aside from the Army and ONCB, the assessment mission included meetings with the Vice Governor of Nong Khai, and meetings and briefings with the Royal Thai Police and local security volunteers in Tambon Sikai along the Mekong where a recent seizure of 5.6 million methamphetamine tablets took place, with the Royal Thai Navy Riverine Unit in Nong Khai, and with Customs at the first Laos-Thai Friendship Bridge. The joint Thai - UNODC assessment and mission team was also briefed at legal and illegal border crossing points, including the at key trafficking routes along the Mekong river.
Regional Representative Jeremy Douglas and Mekong Nong Khai Riverine Unit Commander Rakhop Devapradipa discuss recent operations and cooperation with neighbouring Laos as Commander Rakhop leads a tour of the Nong Khai Navy Base
The Nong Khai Riverine Unit operational wharf on the bank of the Mekong
UNODC has been liaising and working with partners in East and Southeast Asia since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown to study and respond to related risks, including by assessing cross-border movements and trends in the Mekong.
Click here to learn more about UNODC's Regional Programme for Southeast Asia
Click here to learn more about UNODC’s work on transnational crime in the region
Click here to learn more about UNODC’s work on drug control in the region
Click here to learn more about UNODC’s work on border management in the region