3.6 Challenges for Thai Agencies

3.6

Challenges for Thai Agencies

The UNODC reports that the volume of transnational organized crime has already increased with AEC integration.299 As a result, agency representatives were asked what challenges they envisioned for their agencies due to AEC membership. The most common response was that information sharing and cooperation among ASEAN member states would be challenging since they depend on trust among countries. This answer reflects the realist perspective of international relations, where countries are all looking out for their own national priorities and interests at all times. Although information sharing and cooperation is a significant challenge, it is also the top priority for Thailand’s agencies.

Key stakeholders interviewed in Thai agencies predict that the number of TOC cases and workload will increase tremendously for all agencies involved.

Interviewees believe criminal cases will be harder to handle given their increased transnational nature. The lack of consistency in policy, legislation and investigation techniques across ASEAN member states makes this a significant obstacle to prosecution of crime. If an offender is committing the same type of crime in Thailand and in Myanmar, there are many things to consider. Once the offender is caught, in which country will the offender be charged? Are the punishments the same in both countries? Is the conduct even a crime in both countries? Did the offender or trafficked person enter the country illegally?

Counter-TOC capacity will also need to be updated and expanded in order to respond to emerging threats, and thus training is needed for staff. Some agencies cited training in general, but most were specific in stating that their staff needed training in language skills. Better language skills and the use of a common working language will make information sharing much easier.

Agencies also said technology would be a challenge in the future. They predict that TOC will use technological developments to their benefit, making criminal enterprises harder to combat. Investigators must also adapt and incorporate new technologies. Some interviewees prioritized the enhancement of technological systems available to Immigration, such as the e-passport system and the biometric screening system, which are commonly used in many developed countries.

The Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity300 acknowledges the necessity of protecting its members from the dangers associated with more connectivity. To deal with AEC implementation, ASEAN member states require a coordinated and strategic plan of action to reverse the rising tide of TOC.301 Security therefore must be incorporated into every aspect of integration in order to help ensure that transnational organized crime is contained.302 For example, hundreds of millions of shipment containers arrive in the region every year, yet not even 2% are inspected:303 this kind of practice allows TOC to grow.

299 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2016). Protecting peace and prosperity in South-east Asia: synchronizing economic and security agendas. UNODC Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok. 300 Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. (2011). ASEAN, Jakarta. Retrieved from http://www.asean.org/storage/images/ASEAN_ RTK_2014/4_Master_Plan_on_ASEAN_Connectivity.pdf 301 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2016). Protecting peace and prosperity in South-east Asia: synchronizing economic and security agendas. UNODC Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok. 302 Ibid. 303 Ibid.