DSI Attends the "Lao–Thai Prosecutors' Meeting on Cooperation against Transnational Wildlife Crime"

Police Major Natapol Ditsayatham, Director of the Bureau of Natural Resources and Environment Crime, along with Police Major Nimit Promma, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Natural Resources and Environment Crime, and two bureau officials—totaling four delegates—attended the "Lao–Thai Prosecutors' Meeting on Cooperation against Transnational Wildlife Crime" and the Workshop on “Cooperation and Exchange of Legal and Practical Lessons in Preventing and Combating Transnational Wildlife Crime.” The events were held from August 12–14, 2026, in Pakse, Champasak Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Khamphet Somvorlachit, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Office of the Supreme People's Prosecutor of the Lao PDR, and Mr. Mongkol Jirachaisakul, Deputy Attorney General of the Kingdom of Thailand.

During the meeting, both sides presented updates on the current situation regarding illegal wildlife trade and smuggling, the mandates of their respective law enforcement agencies, and information exchanges on CITES compliance. Discussions also covered the application of Lao PDR and Thai domestic laws in prosecuting wildlife crimes, Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLA), and bilateral cooperation frameworks. Furthermore, the participants shared national operational data, transnational case files, records of illegal wildlife smuggling cases in Lao PDR linked to Thailand, cross-border wildlife seizure cases along the Thai–Lao border, as well as financial investigations and anti-money laundering measures related to wildlife crimes. Best practices from Thai law enforcement agencies were also presented by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

Additionally, the meeting explored collaborative mechanisms and coordination on wildlife seizure procedures, valuation methods for seized wildlife, and case prosecution. Both nations emphasized strengthening cooperation in preventing and suppressing illegal wildlife trade and trafficking through MLA and bilateral frameworks. The meeting concluded with a Joint Statement setting out agreed commitments and future operational guidelines between the two countries. This initiative fosters closer relations between Lao PDR and Thailand in jointly addressing wildlife crime, significantly benefiting the DSI in coordinating cross-border investigations and gathering vital evidence moving forward.