The meeting also discussed efforts to crack down on call-centre scam operations, which are not only prevalent in Thailand’s neighbouring countries but are a global issue.
Bangkok (VNA)♋ – National Police Inspector – General Pol General Thaichai Pitaneelaboot recently met with ambassadors and representatives from 15 countries to discuss measures preventing the illegal cross-border movement of foreign nationals and strengthen international cooperation to address the menace.
The 15 participating countries included Brazil, Tanzania, Russia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, India, Morocco, China, along with representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Thatchai, who is director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Centre and director of the Technology Crime Prevention and Suppression Centre of the Royal Thai Police said the meeting was held to engage countries whose citizens had been deceived into working for call-centre scams in neighbouring countries, often transiting through Thailand. The objective was to enhance collaboration so that communication between countries becomes more efficient, allowing for 24/7 coordination.
In cases where nationals of any country are found travelling to high-risk areas, such as Mae Sot district, Tak province, whether by land or air, and lack a clear travel itinerary, border officials will be required to contact the respective embassy. This measure ensures direct communication between the embassy and its citizens to prevent them from falling victim to call-centre scam operations.
Foreign nationals entering Mae Sot will undergo questioning similar to international travellers arriving at airports, requiring them to provide clear details regarding their travel and tourism plans. The embassies expressed strong support for the plan, Thatchai said.
The meeting also discussed efforts to crack down on call-centre scam operations, which are not only prevalent in Thailand’s neighbouring countries but are a global issue./.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially launched the anti-drug operation Seal Stop Safe to combat drug trafficking in 51 border districts across 14 provinces.
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The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
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Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
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Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
