Customs Inspections Building a Culture of Proactive Curiosity: Thailand Case Study

Abstract

The global drug trade continues to expand, straining public health and law enforcement resources, financing transnational organised crime and terrorism, and causing unfathomable harm to communities around the world. Law enforcement at our borders is the ‘first line of defence in the fight against cross-border illicit trade and the protection of our citizens and economies against criminal organisations operating internationally’ (Mikuriya, 2019, p. 4). Nowhere is this more evident than the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) intersect. This area is one of the primary international sources of narcotics, producing methamphetamine, heroin and opium. Criminal syndicates commonly try to export contraband from the Golden Triangle to other countries via Thailand, seeking to exploit Thailand’s large, well-connected ports and airports. Thus, Thai authorities are often the first line of defence against drug flows from this key area to the rest of the world. However, criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated concealment methods to evade detection. Faced with this constantly evolving challenge, Thai authorities are actively building a ‘Culture of Proactive Curiosity’, enhancing internal cooperation and sharing knowledge among staff to enhance risk management systems. Furthermore, the integration of internal, interagency, and international cooperation is vital to control borders, promote sustainable economic growth and protect the international trade supply chain.