Mae sot: The Royal Thai Army recently facilitated a delegation of foreign military attach©s to the Mae Sot District in Tak Province to assess the situation along the Thai-Myanmar border and boost security collaboration.
According to Thai News Agency, Major General Sorawut Chaiyabutr, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Thai Army Intelligence Department, spearheaded the delegation consisting of 20 military attach©s representing 17 countries. The visit was part of the Royal Thai Army Intelligence Department’s annual Army Open House 2025 event. The gathering aims to enlighten the military attach©s about the Royal Thai Army’s missions and to foster stronger ties and cooperation with allied nations. The delegation was welcomed by Major General Narongrit Panikabutr, Deputy Commander of the Third Army Area, and Major General Maitri Chupreecha, Commander of the Naresuan Forces.
During the visit, the delegation received a comprehensive briefing at the Rajamanu Task Force headquarters in Mae Sot District. The unit, one of the seven units of the Royal Thai Army’s Border Defense Force, oversees five border districts in Tak Province. The task force reported on its recent operations, which involve collaboration with security agencies and the Tak Provincial Administrative Organization, aimed at combating illegal activities such as immigration, drug trafficking, and smuggling. They also provide humanitarian assistance to Thai citizens and refugees from Myanmar affected by ongoing conflicts, in line with the National Security Council’s guidelines.
The Rajamanu Task Force also highlighted its efforts in tackling transnational crimes, focusing on scams and call center operations. A significant point of concern is KK Park in Myawaddy, Myanmar, a notable base for scam operations opposite Mae Sot District. Since October 22, 2015, the task force has documented the illegal crossing of 1,598 foreigners from 28 countries into Mae Sot District. Of these, 623 individuals have been repatriated, while 975 await repatriation through immigration procedures.
The delegation proceeded to inspect operations at the Ban Mae Kon Ken (Sek San) Operations Base and the Sanyai Lu Checkpoint in Mae Sot District. These areas, opposite KK Park, allowed the attach©s to observe firsthand the unit’s on-ground operations and gain insight into the region’s challenges and the Army’s border management tactics.
The Royal Thai Army anticipates that this field visit will equip the Defence Attach©s with valuable insights into military and governmental operations in the region. This knowledge is expected to assist their respective countries in addressing issues such as scams and call center operations, thereby contributing to enhanced border security.