Both sides held talks on the issue when a Thai delegation, led by Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot of the Royal Thai Police, visited Washington, D.C. from 21 to 25 April 2026. The delegation also comprised representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the Ministry of Labor.

Thailand and the United States underscored the urgent need to work together against online scam networks in Southeast Asia, which have caused significant harm to people worldwide, including Americans, and are linked to human trafficking. American victims, in particular, suffered damage of more than US$6 billion, or about 190 billion baht, in the past year.

Ms. Rachada said that the U.S. side commended Thailand for establishing “Warroom IAC,” which can integrate information with financial institutions and mobile network operators, leading to the freezing of accounts and the rapid and efficient asset recovery for victims. Thailand had also worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and this cooperation led to the arrest of wrongdoers and the seizure of a large amount of assets.

She said that the Royal Thai Police was preparing to launch the “SHIELD” system in June 2026 as an information exchange hub for more than 10 member countries to effectively prevent and suppress call-center gangs and human-trafficking networks in this region.

She believed that, with serious operations against transnational crime, Thailand could set a goal of upgrading its status in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report from Tier 2 to Tier 1. This would promote the country’s favorable image and create confidence in its economic, investment, and tourism situation.

The Government Spokesperson also said that the Government had included the prevention and suppression of technology-related crimes as part of the national agenda. It recently confiscated the assets, worth more than 20 million baht, linked to Mr. Ben Smith and associates, while dismantling a large call-center gang along the Thai-Cambodian border, where over 10,000 forced labor victims of several nationalities were found.

1. Thailand welcomes the Order of President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on 30 April 2026, regarding the relocation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, former State Counsellor, to a designated residence, and granting amnesty to about 1,500 prisoners.

2. Thailand views this development as a positive step taken by the Myanmar Government, which could help build momentum toward peace and national reconciliation.  

3. As a fellow ASEAN member and close neighboring country, Thailand has been working closely with Myanmar, including during the recent visit to Nay Pyi Taw by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand on 21-22 April 2026. During the visit, Thailand was informed that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health, and that positive steps would be considered moving forward. Thailand will remain in close consultation with Myanmar to sustain this positive momentum and hopes to see further constructive developments in the future.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, together with Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Raweewan Bhuridej, visited Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 29 April 2026 for talks with Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh on tackling transboundary haze issues.

Thailand, Lao PDR, and Myanmar joined hands in launching the “Joint Plan of Action – CLEAR Sky Strategy” on 29 October 2024. The Joint Plan of Action specifies concrete cooperation among the three countries for 2024 to 2030, including cooperation on fire control and suppression, the reduction of hotspots, strengthening forecast and monitoring systems, promoting sustainable agricultural management, strengthening law enforcement, and promoting inter-agency coordination. It was born out of the necessity and urgency in addressing the rising PM 2.5 levels in this region.

During the discussions between the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand and the Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Joint Plan of Action to deal with transboundary haze pollution.

The discussions include the development of platforms for weather reports, efforts to set up the national information center for air quality, the joint development of a fire risk map, the promotion of networks against forest fires, and the use of the traceability system for agricultural products, especially maize, to ensure that production and imports would not be involved with agricultural burning.

On this occasion, Thailand proposed that a new memorandum of understanding between the two ministries on the management of natural resources and environment be drafted to align with the evolving situation and structural changes in the Lao ministry.

Thailand attaches great importance to addressing the issue of transboundary haze pollution, especially PM 2.5, for the people’s better quality of life and for sustainable development in this region.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, in his capacity as the current Country Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, and Mrs. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission of the EU.

According to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting discussed ways to advance cooperation under the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership across all areas and exchanged views on key regional and international issues of mutual interest. 

Both sides underscored the importance of upholding the rules-based international order amidst an evolving global landscape, ensuring the relevance of ASEAN and the EU, as major regional blocs, in addressing current and emerging challenges in a timely and efficient manner, while bolstering collective resilience through key initiatives, such as expediting negotiations towards an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement, advancing the transition to renewable energy, and addressing transnational crimes, in particular online scams. 

The meeting adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement of the 25th AEMM as the outcome document, which highlights the shared commitment to strengthening ASEAN-EU cooperation and preparing for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–EU Dialogue Relations in 2027.

The AEMM is held every two years for Foreign Ministers from both ASEAN Member States and the EU, with the participation of the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission of the EU.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also held bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers and high-level representatives from the EU, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam, Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland, and Cyprus to push forward and further enhance bilateral cooperation with respective countries.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission of the EU and Mr. Sihasak met on 27 April. Both sides exchanged views on cooperation in responding to global challenges, including promoting the multilateral free trade system and strengthening energy security. They also discussed key regional developments and cooperation to address regional challenges, including efforts to combat online scams and transnational crime, the situation in Myanmar, particularly humanitarian assistance, as well as the Thailand-Cambodia border situation.

PRD Director-General Sudruetai Lertkasem led a delegation to meet President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua in Beijing on 23 April 2026. Both sides discussed progress of their operations under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on media cooperation and news and information exchange.

The two organizations signed the MOU on 6 February 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-China diplomatic relations. 

The PRD Director-General proposed guidance to develop media personnel and elevate the operations of media practitioners, with an emphasis on the use of modern communication technologies for greater efficiency and flexibility.

As PRD would like to learn from Xinhua’s experience, she invited Xinhua experts to serve as advisors in Thailand, so that the two sides would work jointly to lay down a foundation to develop PRD further as a national news and information center.

Xinhua News Agency expressed support for the PRD proposal and was also willing to strengthen bilateral cooperation in three major areas.  The first area involves positive presentation of Thai-Chinese relations; the second one, networking on international media platforms; and the third area, resource sharing to expand public access to news and information.

On this occasion, the President of Xinhua News Agency invited the PRD Director-General to participate in the Xinhua Global Media Forum, to be held in Shenzhen and Beijing later this year.  He also presented the English edition of the book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China to the PRD Director-General. The book outlines the official vision for China's development and governance in the 21st century. 

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs paid a visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on 21-22 April 2026. During the visit, he paid courtesy calls on U Min Aung Hlaing, President of Myanmar, and U Nyo Saw, Vice President of Myanmar. 

He also held discussions with U Tin Maung Swe, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, and U Than Swe, former Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of the Union Consultative Council.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen relations in areas of mutual interest, with Thailand expressing its readiness to be a partner in Myanmar’s national development. They also agreed to increase cooperation in border security, border trade, investment, energy security, and development cooperation, as well as stepping up joint efforts to address cross-border challenges, such as narcotic drugs, online scams, transboundary haze, and river pollution.

Both sides agreed to coordinate closely to promote ease of doing business, reduce trade and investment barriers, revive border trade, and promote cooperation on energy security, infrastructure, and human resources development. 

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also conveyed his thanks to the Myanmar government for the full support for Thai businesses in Myanmar.

“Thailand welcomes the Order of the President of Myanmar on 17 April 2026 granting amnesty to more than 4,000 prisoners on the occasion of the Myanmar New Year, including the amnesty for former President U Win Myint.

“Thailand views this development as a positive step by the Myanmar Government, which is consistent with the expectations of ASEAN, and hopes that it would create a good momentum for dialogue and national reconciliation in Myanmar.

“As a neighboring country, Thailand has been in close consultations with Myanmar to encourage positive developments for the benefit of sustainable peace in Myanmar, which is important for the ASEAN region. Thailand will continue to work closely with Myanmar to build on this latest development, and looks forward to seeing further positive steps in the future.”

Both sides exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. They underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly for commercial and oil tankers of countries not party to the conflict. 

They expressed support for diplomatic engagement and dialogue as the primary means of de-escalating tensions and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also commended Oman's role in maintaining a neutral and constructive stance, which has contributed to easing tensions in the region.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of Oman for the assistance rendered to Thai crew members aboard the vessel “Mayuree Naree” and for facilitating their safe return to Thailand. He also sought Oman’s support in facilitating the salvage of the said vessel.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the visit provided a valuable opportunity for senior leaders of Thailand and Oman to further strengthen bilateral ties and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. 

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in key areas, including security, energy, logistics, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as health and wellness tourism. In addition, both sides followed up on the outcomes of the second Thailand–Oman Political Consultation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation in all areas to support Oman Vision 2040.

Also, on the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with the Thai community in the Sultanate of Oman in Muscat. The meeting was attended by Thai nationals from various sectors, including the business community, employees of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), staff of Oman Air, Thai students in Oman, as well as those working in the service sector, such as spas and Thai restaurants in Oman.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs listened to views and updates on the well-being of Thai nationals in Oman, who play an important role in strengthening Thai communities abroad. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the protection of Thai nationals overseas, particularly in light of the situation in the Middle East. Efforts have been made to assist those relocating from high-risk areas and to facilitate evacuations back to Thailand. 

He also advised Thai nationals to closely monitor official updates from host authorities and the Royal Thai Embassy, regularly assess their safety situation, and strictly adhere to official guidance.

On this occasion, Thailand reiterated its interest in securing additional energy supplies from Oman. Thailand has continuously imported crude oil from Oman since 1998. Both sides also agreed to promote greater cooperation in energy investment, particularly in clean energy under Oman Vision 2040.

They exchanged views on the regional energy situation and discussed the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for the global energy supply chain. Thailand also commended Oman’s neutral and constructive role in helping ease tensions in the region.

On 16 April, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs was received in audience by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of the Sultanate of Oman at Bait Al Baraka Palace in Muscat.

He expressed Thailand’s profound gratitude to the Government of Oman for the assistance extended to Thai crew members of the attacked Mayuree Naree Vessel and for facilitating the safe repatriation of Thai nationals. 

He also praised His Majesty’s royal vision for national development under the Oman Vision 2040, as well as Oman’s foreign policy of neutrality and its constructive role in de-escalating regional tensions.

His Majesty the Sultan expressed his appreciation for Thailand and his satisfaction with the close and long-standing relations between the two countries. His Majesty also extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed an invitation for His Majesty to pay an official visit to Thailand to further enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in all areas of mutual benefit.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs on 15 April 2026 met with H.H. Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik bin Taimur Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, and Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, in Muscat during his official visit to Oman.

On this occasion, Thailand and Oman exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and discussed ways to enhance security cooperation, according to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to the Omani side and the Royal Navy of Oman for their assistance to 20 Thai crew members from the vessel “Mayuree Naree” and for facilitating their safe return to Thailand. Thailand sought Oman’s support in the salvage of the vessel Mayuree Naree, as well.

Both sides also exchanged views on the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The Thai side commended Oman’s role in maintaining a neutral and constructive stance and expressed concern over the heightened tensions in the region, while seeking Oman’s views on recent developments.

Mr. Sihasak reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to support Oman’s role as a mediator in efforts to ease tensions. Both sides underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in de-escalating tensions and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

In addition, Thailand and Oman expressed readiness to further promote comprehensive cooperation, including in defense industries. This builds upon the contract signed in 2024 between the Ministry of Defense of Oman and Marsun Public Company Limited of Thailand for the procurement of vessels for the Royal Navy of Oman. 

The agreement represents a tangible area of cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry and provides an important foundation for further enhancing close defense cooperation in the future.