The Cabinet approved the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation to enhance the capacity of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and regional law enforcement networks to improve responses to transnational crime.
On 6 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Ministry of Justice proposed to the Cabinet to approve the draft agreement on cooperation under the 2026 Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Special Fund framework. The Cabinet also approved authorizing Mr. Piyasiri Wattanawarangkura, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, to sign the draft agreement on behalf of Thailand to implement the “Project to Enhance Law Enforcement Capacity in the Mekong Subregion.”
The project is carried out by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Ministry of Justice, aiming to promote experience exchange in addressing threats from transnational crime, develop cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the Mekong region, and strengthen information exchange activities to enhance personnel skills in special investigations and elevate cooperation in preventing and suppressing transnational crime in the region.
The project is funded under the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Special Fund with a total budget of USD 80,000, approximately 2.68 million baht. This fund was established by the People’s Republic of China to support development projects of member countries within the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation framework, covering various sectors beneficial to subregional development.
Ms. Lalida said that under the draft agreement, the Chinese side will transfer funds into the Krungthai Bank account of the fund within 20 business days, and the Thai side must confirm receipt within 10 business days after receiving the funds. Thailand will be the main agency implementing the project according to the plan and budget, submitting progress reports to China at least every six months, including performance evaluations every six months and project audits at least once a year.
Regarding information and knowledge exchange, the Ministry of Justice affirmed that project activities focus on enhancing investigative skills, providing legal knowledge related to international criminal cooperation and extradition, and exchanging best practices based on international law enforcement standards. The project does not involve sharing sensitive information related to state security or intellectual property exclusively owned by Thailand.
“This project will enhance the investigative capacity of officers and strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the Mekong region, especially in addressing transnational crime, which requires coordination, experience sharing, and international best practices alongside careful protection of Thailand’s data and interests,” Ms. Lalida said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Council of State agreed that the draft agreement does not constitute a treaty under Section 178 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. The agreement will be effective for three years from the signing date and will automatically renew for successive three-year terms unless either party gives six months’ written notice to terminate.
The Ministry of Justice reported that the Chinese Embassy in Thailand wishes to sign the draft agreement by 15 Oct 2026 GMT+7 to proceed with budget disbursement for the next phase of the project.