Bangkok: The government is forming a task force to address transnational drug networks exploiting illegal Thai workers. Intensive drug testing and screening procedures are being implemented at all checkpoints to restore South Korea's confidence in Thai labor.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytale Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government, through the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), is collaborating with the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, and South Korean agencies. This collaboration forms a "Three-Party Joint Task Force" aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks that utilize Thai workers, especially illegal migrants, as conduits. This initiative follows the discovery of these workers using fake bank accounts and SIM cards to smuggle drugs through Thailand. The goal is to enhance drug interception measures, dismantle criminal networks, and restore South Korean confidence in Thai workers.
Additional measures include increasing drug testing during the health check process for E-9 visa applicants, deploying officers for random drug checks during pre-departure training, and at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The training curriculum will also be strengthened. A joint trilateral operation team will be established, comprising the ONCB, the Department of Employment, and the Immigration Bureau, to analyze data on tourists overstaying their visas and coordinate with Thai volunteer workers in South Korea to gather information.
The government assures that these measures will not impact the processing of E-9 visas for legal Thai workers. The aim is to ensure that Thai workers traveling abroad are skilled and drug-free. Furthermore, the initiative will enhance cooperation in dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks, restoring trust, and maintaining Thailand's image.