Thailand and China Establish Joint Security Framework
Thailand and China established a new "2+2" security dialogue framework between their foreign and defense ministers to boost coordination on shared threats including transnational crime, scam networks, and human trafficking.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangkaew announced on July 20 that during an official visit to China alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand and China agreed to establish a "2+2" security dialogue framework between their foreign and defense ministers to enhance coordination on security policy. China has agreed to host the first meeting.
Sihasak emphasized that Thailand prioritized cracking down on scamming networks and call-center gangs, which have harmed people across multiple nations. Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation across law enforcement, human trafficking suppression, money laundering interdiction, and intelligence sharing to combat transnational criminal networks.
Sihasak noted that addressing call-center gangs and transnational crime requires broader regional cooperation beyond Thailand and China, particularly involving Myanmar and Cambodia. He also raised concerns about gray-market businesses operating in Thailand, stressing that the Thai government welcomes only quality investments by law-abiding investors.
"While these gray-market businesses represent a small portion of Chinese investment in Thailand, when illegal activities occur, they inevitably damage Thai public confidence and sentiment," Sihasak said. "We want China to understand and consider the feelings of the Thai people as well."
