Bangkok: ONCB joins hands with four agencies to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to exchange information on the performance of each agency's duties to raise the level of suppression of transnational drug crimes. Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, presided over the signing ceremony of the MOU to enhance the efficiency in preventing and suppressing drug-related offenses and transnational organized crimes. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) was represented by Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB. Other signatories included Mr. Chumpol Phansamrit, Deputy Attorney General acting on behalf of the Attorney General, Lt. Gen. Nattawut Sabairup, Commander of the Security Center under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Santi Chainiramai, Commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and Pol. Maj. Col. Yutthana Phraedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Thawee highlighted that Thailand is significantly impacted by transnational crimes, particularly those related to drugs, posing a threat to national and global security. Addressing this issue requires collaboration among government, private, and public sectors, with a focus on coordination and information exchange among law enforcement agencies. The goal is to proactively prevent and suppress such crimes and effectively bring perpetrators to justice.
Thailand's legal framework, including the Prevention and Suppression of Involvement in Transnational Organized Crime Act 2013 and the International Cooperation in Criminal Matters Act 1992, will be more effective following the signing of the cooperation agreement. This will facilitate tangible actions against transnational organizations using Thailand as a transit point.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat emphasized that the MOU represents a significant enhancement in coordination among the five agencies to support and integrate efforts in the proactive prevention and suppression of drug-related offenses and transnational organized crime. The MOU, which spans a five-year cooperation period from the date of signing, allows member agencies to exchange and utilize information, knowledge, human resources, technology, budget, and critical information necessary for prosecuting transnational organized crime. This cooperation is expected to punish groups involved in such crimes, thereby reducing economic and social losses and enhancing public safety and confidence.