Thailand And China Launch New 2+2 Security Dialogue

Thailand and China have agreed to establish a new 2+2 security dialogue between their foreign and defence ministers, strengthening cooperation against transnational crime, including call centre scam networks, human trafficking and money laundering. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced the agreement on 20 July 2026 during an official visit to China with Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Speaking after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sihasak said both countries had agreed to establish the new ministerial-level security mechanism to enhance policy coordination and bilateral security cooperation, with China offering to host the inaugural meeting. Thailand placed the fight against call centre scam syndicates at the top of the agenda, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation in law enforcement, anti-human trafficking operations, anti-money laundering efforts and intelligence sharing to combat transnational criminal networks. Sihasak noted that tackling scam operations and organised crime would require broader regional cooperation, particularly with Myanmar and Cambodia, to dismantle cross-border criminal networks more effectively. He also raised concerns over grey businesses operating in Thailand, urging China to help address the issue and emphasizing that the Thai government welcomes only high-quality, sustainable investment with full compliance to Thai law. While describing grey businesses as a small proportion of overall Chinese investment in Thailand, Sihasak warned that illegal activities involving such operators could undermine public confidence and negatively affect Thai public sentiment.