ENHANCING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONNECTIVITY TO ADDRESS NON-TRADITIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE MEKONG REGION

The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) under Thailand's Ministry of Interior is responsible for maintaining public order and internal security, including in border areas. Since 2014, DOPA has implemented the "People-to-People Connectivity" (P2P) Project to address non-traditional security challenges such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, people smuggling, and illegal migration, by enhancing connectivity among border area residents. Annually, the P2P Project organizes security, economic, and socio-cultural activities in 128 border districts across 31 provinces, fostering friendly relations, interaction, and trust between Thailand and its neighbors. This initiative has contributed to reduced conflict and improved cooperation between local Thai officials and their counterparts in neighboring countries. DOPA’s presence as area managers in every district ensures effective border area management.  Read more...

Countrie

Priority Sector

Non-traditional Security Challenges

Countrie

Project Site

Cambodia Lao PDR Thailand

Beneficiaries

No. of Direct Beneficiaries

Duration

Duration

Jan-2023 to Jan-2025

Objectives

Objectives

  • 1. To strengthen relations between local communities and government officials in border areas. To raise awareness and empower local authorities in the Mekong region—particularly in Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia. To combat non-traditional security challenges such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal migration.

Activities

Phase One: Project launch ceremony, online mechanism construction, cross-border visits and cooperation, local promotion, and institutionalization.

Phase Two: Mutual visits and phase review, mechanism optimization and implementation, and summary seminar.

[Expected] Results

In personnel exchanges, three Mekong River Linkage Seminars attracted approximately 270 local officials, strengthening cross-border relations. Mutual visits also enhanced connections among officials and community relations.

For institutional building, 44 NTS-Mekong Watch coordination centers were established, providing a public platform (www.nts-mekong.com) for reporting security issues and promoting cooperation between communities and authorities.

In publicity, the project website received around 5,100 annual visits, with approximately 20 articles published in both Thai and English. Video production and the dissemination of government mechanism information further enhanced the project’s influence.

For cooperation expansion, a joint event with UNODC involved 11 government agencies, strengthening collaboration and refining the roadmap. Multiple training sessions on non-traditional security topics increased the awareness and response capabilities of relevant personnel.

Overall, these achievements effectively improved the region\'s ability to address non-traditional security challenges and laid a solid foundation for the security and stability of the Mekong River region.

Reciprocal Visit: Thai district officers from 44 districts are hosting their counterparts from Laos PDR and Cambodia in Thailand, following last year’s group visits to those countries in 2023.

Outcome

Success Factors/Strategies

  • The Mekong River Linkage Symposium and mutual visits promoted exchanges between officials and communities in the border areas of Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Outcome

Future Strategies and Sustainability Plans

  • Continue strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries in combating cross-border crimes through regular exchanges and information sharing, enhancing regional capacity in addressing non-traditional security challenges and maintaining the security and stability of the Mekong River region.
Objectives

PIA Contact Information

  • PIA Name: Ministry of Interior
  • Person Name: Thannicha Lermtong
  • Person Email: mkcfdopa@gmail.com

Achievements

Project Implementing Agency
Contact Person: Thannicha Lermtong

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Outcome

Project Videos

Outcome

Project Activity Reports

Outcome

Impact Story