Thailand and Myanmar strengthen drug-control cooperation at Phuket meeting

Thailand and Myanmar have agreed to expand cooperation against drug production and trafficking, including intelligence sharing, joint operations and efforts to trace the financial networks of transnational syndicates.

The agreement was reached at the 27th Thai-Myanmar Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation, held on 10 November at the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. Thailand’s delegation was led by Pol Maj Gen Suriya Singhakamol, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Myanmar’s delegation was led by Lt Gen Soe Hlaing, secretary-general of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and chief of the Myanmar Police Force.

Both sides agreed to use the Safe Mekong Coordination Center as a central mechanism for monthly intelligence sharing and to implement a joint action plan for 2026–2027. The plan includes operations against trafficking networks, a hotline for intercepting precursor chemicals, forensic-information exchanges, drug-profiling systems and efforts to locate fugitives wanted under outstanding arrest warrants.

Particular emphasis will be placed on tracing financial networks linked to transnational syndicates, including digital assets and online drug trafficking, as well as investigating and seizing related assets. Myanmar also agreed in principle to allow Thai officials to observe and assist with evidence collection at dismantled drug-production sites, subject to mutual agreement.

Thailand said it was prepared to host a Senior Officials’ Meeting under the Safe Mekong Coordination Center framework. The countries also agreed to continue exchanging knowledge on drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and to continue an alternative-development project in Nong Taya, Pinlaung Township, Myanmar. The project, which aims to establish sustainable livelihoods, is covered by a memorandum of understanding valid until 2028.

The cooperation will also include training for Myanmar officials in precursor-chemical interception, youth networks across the Mekong subregion and training programmes for ASEAN drug-law-enforcement officers. Thailand will provide budgetary support to Myanmar for drug-interdiction activities under the Letter of Agreement framework for cooperation with neighbouring countries.

The delegations exchanged information on methamphetamine tablets, crystal methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, new psychoactive substances and the use of technology by criminal networks. They reaffirmed their commitment to joint investigations and operations, with a focus on following financial trails, seizing assets and disrupting the resources supporting drug syndicates.