28-3-2024 (PHNOM PENH) Cambodia and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking during their 14th bilateral meeting held on March 26 in Phnom Penh. The meeting, which was postponed due to Covid-19 cases, saw the participation of key officials from both countries, including Meas Vyrith, secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), and Phanurat Lukboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Narcotics Control Board (NCB).
Vyrith highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the two nations, particularly in law enforcement, treatment, rehabilitation, and drug education campaigns. He emphasised Thailand’s assistance in various sectors, including laboratory work and the implementation of drug-free village mechanisms, facilitated through an annual Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Discussions during the meeting centred on implementing new measures to combat drug trafficking more effectively.
Lukboon urged both sides to address the activities of criminal syndicates involved in smuggling precursor chemicals used in narcotics production, often disguised as common commercial compounds. He noted Thailand’s vulnerability to drug smuggling, especially in regions near the “golden triangle.”
Am Sam Ath, operations director at LICADHO, underscored the importance of close cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand in tackling the drug trade, which poses significant challenges to the region and global security. He stressed the need for intelligence-sharing to identify and apprehend criminals trafficking drugs across borders.
Efforts to combat drug trafficking require not only cooperation with neighbouring countries but also the enforcement of existing laws and measures against individuals involved in drug-related activities or corruption within Cambodia.
