In a significant development on 10 July 2025, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, and Australian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Dr. Angela Jane Macdonald, signed the Subsidiary Arrangement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand relating to the Mekong-Australia Partnership on Transnational Crime (MAP-TNC) at the Exhibition Hall, TICA.
The signing ceremony marked a significant step forward in the long-standing development partnership between Thailand and Australia since 1989. The MAP-TNC will play a vital role in supporting Mekong countries in combating transnational crime, with Thailand playing a key role in implementing the second phase of the program from March 2025 to 2029.
According to the terms of the agreement, activities will focus on key issues such as narcotics, financial crime, and child sexual exploitation, with the National Security Council serving as the main coordinating agency. The Subsidiary Arrangement aims to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Australia in combating transnational crime in the Mekong sub-region through enhancing policy and research analysis, upgrading operational capacity, and fostering regional collaboration in information sharing and border management.
The Australian Ambassador reaffirmed Australia’s support for Thailand and other Mekong countries in tackling transnational crime. She also underscored the importance of continued collaboration between Thai and Australian agencies in strengthening regional cooperation and addressing shared security challenges.
This new phase of the MAP-TNC is a significant milestone in Thailand’s efforts to address transnational crime in the region. The signing of the Subsidiary Arrangement demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to working with Australia and other Mekong countries to ensure the security and stability of the region.
The long-standing partnership between Thailand and Australia in combating transnational crime highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. As a key player in the Mekong region, Thailand is well-positioned to play a leading role in promoting regional stability and security through its collaboration with Australia and other countries.
Conclusion:
The signing of the Subsidiary Arrangement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand relating to the MAP-TNC marks an important milestone in Thailand’s efforts to address transnational crime in the region. This new phase of the program demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to working with Australia and other Mekong countries to ensure the security and stability of the region, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.