The Interior Ministry Secretary has issued the most urgent order to governors of 31 provinces along the borders with neighboring countries to implement four strict measures to prevent the export and import of illegal goods and drugs. Any violations found will be prosecuted without exception.
6 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Assit Sampanrat, Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, revealed that the government, led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has a policy to promote border security free from all threats by preventing, monitoring, and preparing measures to address impacts from threats both domestically and internationally.
Particularly addressing border security issues including drugs, scammers, and smuggling, there remain reports of illegal goods and drug smuggling along the Thai border with neighboring countries, which could affect border security, the economy, import-export controls, and product standards.
Additionally, the Interior Ministry Secretary emphasized that to enhance prevention and suppression of illegal goods and drug smuggling according to government policy, the Ministry has instructed governors of the 31 provinces bordering neighboring countries to implement four strict measures, namely:
1. Intensify surveillance and monitoring along the border, especially at high-risk points, natural routes, and areas with records of illegal import-export activities, including all types of drugs. This will involve coordinated operations between administrative authorities and relevant security agencies through joint patrols to continuously inspect and intercept illegal acts. District chiefs, deputy district chiefs assigned to sub-districts, village heads, and community leaders in border areas are tasked to watch, monitor, report tips, and support authorities closely to strengthen security and interception efforts along the border.
2. Strictly prosecute offenders involved in illegal import-export of goods and all types of drugs according to the law, while thoroughly investigating the origins, movements, and possession of the goods.
3. Raise awareness among border area residents about legal provisions and the impacts of illegal import-export activities, and encourage their active participation in reporting violations.
4. Monitor and analyze the situation; if any illegal import-export of goods or drugs is detected, immediately report to the Ministry of Interior.
The 31 Thai provinces bordering neighboring countries are Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Mae Hong Son, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Buriram, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, Satun, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat.