The Regional Support Office of the Bali Process (RSO) was honoured to support Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Conference on Cooperation in Exchanging Information and Sharing Experience in Combatting Human Trafficking, held in Chiang Mai, Thailand over 17-19 January 2024.
The three-day event convened more than 120 participants from Thai and international law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civil society groups, serving as a platform for sharing insights, presenting case studies, and discussing challenges inherent in countering trafficking in persons.
Experts from the Australian Federal Police, the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation shared successful cases of international collaboration. Delegates discussed best practices in identifying recurring patterns in illicit activities, fostering enhanced coordination among stakeholders, and facilitating information exchange.
Jatuporn Saenghiran, Deputy Director General of Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General, emphasised the importance of coordination across law enforcement agencies, stating, “In investigating and prosecuting human trafficking, no agency can work alone. We need to work together. It requires us to trust and be transparent with one another.”
Evan Jones, Programme Coordinator for Communications, Capability and Enquiry at the RSO also delivered Opening Remarks, noting the important role of the conference in building connections across Royal Thai Government agencies, international counterparts and international organisations and NGOs. He said:
“Enhancing cooperation among law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations, and civil society is crucial in supporting efforts to counter people smuggling and trafficking in persons, and is a clear regional priority outlined by Bali Process Members in the 2023 Adelaide Strategy for Cooperation.
“We acknowledge the important role Thailand plays as a Steering Group Member of the Bali Process, and its commitment—as demonstrated through this conference—to furthering the shared objectives outlined by Member States.”
As part of the gathering, both Thai and foreign law enforcement agencies were able to gain a deeper understanding of Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation and the scope of its mandate in probing transnational crimes. Established in 2002 under the Ministry of Justice, the DSI stands apart from other national agencies by focusing on investigating serious transnational criminal activities. Moreover, it is mandated to investigate criminal cases involving influential individuals as principals, instigators, or supporters.
The RSO joined ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking, the International Organization for Migration, A21, ZOE, Operation Underground Railroad, LIFT, Scientia Program International Justice Mission and Rafa in providing support to the delivery and content for the conference.
