ASEAN Secretary-General Engages with Thai Prime Minister on Transnational Crime and Prisoner Education.

Bangkok: ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn recently met with Thai Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra to discuss critical issues concerning transnational crimes and the improvement of education for prisoners. Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, the Government Spokesman, shared insights from the discussions, highlighting the focus areas and mutual agreements reached during the meeting. According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for the visit by the ASEAN Secretary-General, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to address past accomplishments and future initiatives, particularly in tackling transnational crime and social challenges. She commended the outcomes of the recent ASEAN Summit, during which she interacted with various international leaders, and expressed optimism that it would foster cooperation across several domains. The ASEAN Secretary-General, in response, acknowledged the Prime Minister's warm reception and commended Thailand's active role in the ASEAN forum, nota bly in public health. He highlighted Thailand's pivotal contribution in supporting the creation of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), which is vital for ASEAN's preparedness for future health crises. Additionally, he recognized Thailand's efforts in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the discussions, both parties agreed on the significant threat posed by cybercrime, particularly online fraud and the misuse of technology, which are pressing issues in several ASEAN countries, including Thailand. The Prime Minister underscored the urgency of addressing cybercrime through expedited measures and welcomed ASEAN's support in these efforts. The conversation also touched upon strategies to tackle the drug problem. The Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of this issue for Thailand and neighboring countries, stressing the importance of education as a key component in facilitating the reintegration of former prisoners into society. The ASEAN Secreta ry-General lauded the Prime Minister's focus on education for prisoners, noting its potential to transform them into contributing members of society and expressing his commitment to this cause.