Counternarcotics and Law Enforcement Country Program: Thailand
U.S. Government Program Goals
INL’s law enforcement and judicial system goals include countering the trafficking of illicit drugs, transnational crime, crisis management, government sector corruption, threats of terrorism, trafficking in persons, document fraud, intellectual property violations and money laundering. The program seeks to build upon past Thai-American experience and successes in counternarcotics capacity building to bring higher levels of coherence and coordination to the criminal justice system generally. Additionally, the program seeks to enhance the degree of cross-border cooperation between Thai law enforcement and the agencies of neighboring countries.
Program Components/Accomplishments
Thailand has achieved significant success in its comprehensive, long-term strategies against illegal drug abuse, trafficking, and production. However, its criminal laws, criminal justice institutions, and regulatory and police and prosecutorial investigative capabilities could be improved in order to respond more effectively to new terrorism threats and transnational and organized crime in the 21st century.
- Regional Transnational Crime Affairs Section (TCAS) Director: The TCAS Director in Bangkok serves as INL’s primary program manager and policy expert in the field and is responsible for coordinating all INL programs in Thailand. In addition to bilateral duties, the TCAS Director serves as a regional INL advisor and seeks to bring resources to bear upon, capacity building efforts for law enforcement entities in neighboring countries which do not have bilateral assistance programs.
- Criminal Justice Sector and Law Enforcement Reform: INL funds a Department of Justice Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) in Bangkok. This Advisor serves as the linchpin in our approach to address law enforcement and criminal justice sector reform. INL-funded programming promotes integrity and enhances the capacity, effectiveness, and accountability of both the Thai law enforcement sector and judicial system through trainings, seminars, and conferences. Programming uses USG and Royal Thai Government partners, as well as U.S. State and municipal governments in order to accomplish INL’s mission.
U.S. Government Funding FY2005-2009
- FY 2005 – $1,608,000 (INCLE)
- FY 2006 – $990,000 (INCLE)
- FY 2007 – $900,000 (INCLE)
- FY 2008 – $1,686,000 (INCLE) + $1,200,000 (ESF) = $2,886,000
- FY 2009 – $1,400,000 (INCLE)
- FY 2010 – $1,740,000 (INCLE)
INCLE: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Funds
ESF: Economic Support Funds transferred from USAID