Vietnam, Thailand strengthen collaboration in drug control
Vietnam and Thailand discussed the situation and outcomes of their coordination in drug prevention and control; shared experience in implementing drug rehabilitation and demand reduction; and made recommendations for cooperation to enhance capacity in combating and preventing crimes, drug forensics, tracing the origins of drugs, and carrying out rehabilitation work in the coming time.
Delegates to the 17th Vietnam–Thailand Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation on August 14 in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The 17th Vietnam–Thailand Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation took place on August 14 in Hanoi.
The two sides discussed the situation and outcomes of their coordination in drug prevention and control; shared experience in implementing drug rehabilitation and demand reduction; and made recommendations for cooperation to enhance capacity in combating and preventing crimes, drug forensics, tracing the origins of drugs, and carrying out rehabilitation work in the coming time.
To further promote the positive outcomes of bilateral cooperation, Major General Ngo Thanh Binh, Director of the Drug-Related Crime Investigation Police Department and head of the Vietnamese delegation, proposed both sides continue to make effective use of the hotline, with the core being the international cooperation officers of the department and the Minister Counsellor at the Thai Embassy in Hanoi, to facilitate the prompt exchange and handling of information on drug-related crimes involving the two countries, promptly verify and jointly investigate drug cases.
Binh also suggested coordinating to launch joint investigations into cases involving transnational drug crimes, and considering the establishment of joint task forces comprising officers from both Vietnam and Thailand to conduct joint investigations, interrogations, and timely sharing of information on transnational drug trafficking rings.
This will ensure effective coordination in extended investigations and the collection of relevant evidence to dismantle entire drug crime networks and organisations, particularly those trafficking and transporting drugs from the Golden Triangle area through Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia into Vietnam and other consumer markets, he stressed.
🧔 Police Lieutenant General Phanurat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and head of the Thai delegation, appreciated the outcomes of this bilateral meeting and expressed his confidence that following this event, cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand will become increasingly effective, meeting practical needs in effectively responding to the complex developments of the current drug situation./.
The ring exploited remote border crossings in western Nghe An, previously known as Tuong Duong district, to smuggle narcotics from Laos into Vietnam for distribution across northern provinces, according to officials.
June 26 is observed annually as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and also as Vietnam’s National Day for Drug Prevention and Control. It serves as a reminder to raise public awareness and strengthen efforts in the fight against drug abuse and related crimes.
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Lao Party, Government, and public security force have always recognised that the achievements and victories of the force during the struggle for national liberation and in the current period of protecting and developing the country are closely linked to the solidarity and valuable assistance of its Vietnamese counterpart.
Noting the strategic significance of connecting the Vietnam–China railway connectivity, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said that routes such as Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Hanoi–Lang Son, and Hanoi–Mong Cai will enhance logistics efficiency, promote socio-economic development in localities of both countries, and contribute to improving Vietnam’s operational capacity and access to modern railway technology.
Ambassador Kees van Baar affirmed that the Netherlands will work with several international organisations to support Vietnam in sustainable water resource management, environmental impact assessment, knowledge and experience sharing, and provision of both grant aid and loans.
in the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s customs sector handled 8,561 violations, with a total goods value exceeding 13.6 trillion VND (517.79 million USD). In border areas with China alone, 1,588 smuggling cases involving 59 billion VND were detected.
General Secretary Lam and CPP President Hun Sen informed each other about the situation of each Party and country; exchanged views on regional and international developments, relations between the two Parties and countries, and issues of mutual concern. They also reviewed and assessed the results of bilateral cooperation, and agreed on key directions to further deepen the relationship.
Party chief To Lam's state visit to the RoK helped deepen political trust, strengthen the good personal relations between the two countries' high-ranking leaders, and deepen the Vietnam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan said the Han and Red Rivers - each with its historic miracle - should now converge on a “sea of prosperity,” with both nations setting sail together toward industrial growth, energy advancement, and technological innovation.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane said Vietnam's historical achievements serve as tremendous encouragement and motivation for Laos, fueling its national development efforts.
Vietnam always stands ready to engage in frank and constructive discussions with the US on remaining differences to enhance mutual understanding, contributing positively to the development of the Vietnam – US comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The All People's Security Safeguard Festival in Tuyen Quang province, the consolidation of the national steering committee for the implementation of Vietnam’s commitments at COP26, and the banking sector's completion of a comprehensive review of all customer records are among news highlights on August 14.
The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and his spouse, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The meeting approved the list of official and alternate delegates for the NA’s first Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. It also endorsed the criteria, number, structure, and proposed allocation of personnel of the NA delegation to attend the 14th National Party Congress slated for early 2026.
The Party leader expressed his confidence that with a proud revolutionary tradition and new momentum, Tuyen Quang will seize opportunities, fully unlock its potential, and confidently contribute to national development goals and the journey toward socialism.
As a coastal nation with strategic and economic interests closely tied to peace and security in the East Sea, Vietnam affirmed its consistent position of resolving all disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international laws, including the UNCLOS.
Anjuska Marija Weil, President of the Switzerland–Vietnam Friendship Association, has shown her great pride to witness the strong growth of Vietnam - a nation she and her Swiss comrades once campaigned passionately for its peace and justice.
Party General Secretary To Lam praised Tuyen Quang’s launch of the “all-people’s security proection” movement in recent years, particularly in Tan Trao, a locality rich with revolutionary tradition. The movement has been integrated into broader pushes for advanced new rural development, preservation of ethnic cultural heritage, protection of upstream forests, and promotion of “red tourism” tied to revolutionary sites, all while maintaining public safety and order.
The event came ahead of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19), National Day (September 2), and the traditional day of the People's Public Security Force, and the 20th anniversary of "All people's protecting national security" festival.
Over the past 80 years, the consular and citizen protection work has achieved significant results, contributing to the overall success of external affairs and earning recognition from the Party, State, and people.
The visit offered a chance to convey Vietnam’s commitment to building a prosperous nation and attracting international resources to meet development goals in a new era, helping to enhance political trust and elevate the substantive cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK.
