The prime ministers of Australia and Thailand released a joint statement in Canberra today (19 August) reaffirming the close ties between the two countries and pledging cooperation in the fight against transnational crime.
Anthony Albanese and Anutin Charnvirakul agreed that fighting crime, particularly technology-driven cyber crime, was the key to a “peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific”.
“Leaders expressed grave concern over the growing sophistication and proliferation of online scam operations, including the use of emerging technologies to facilitate cyber crime, financial fraud, money laundering and trafficking in persons, undermining governance, economic resilience and regional security,” the pair said.
“They agreed to strengthen cooperation among Australian and Thai law enforcement, customs, immigration and financial intelligence agencies to disrupt the criminal networks, financial flows and supply chains that enable cyber-enabled fraud and the trafficking of illicit commodities, including narcotics and illicit tobacco.”
The pair acknowledged the close relationship between Thai authorities and the Australian Federal Police.
“They welcomed Australia’s support for the Anti Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC), under Police Cyber Taskforce, RTP,” the statement said.
“Supported by AFP Operation Firestorm, this cooperation has contributed to a significant number of arrests and the disruption of a substantial number of scam centres across south-east Asia.”
Speaking at a press conference, Albanese said: “We undertake to expand on decades of work between our countries by committing law enforcement agencies to strengthen cooperation and disrupt increasingly sophisticated global criminal networks.”
The PM also welcomed closer defence cooperation between the two nations.
Charnvirakul told the press that the meeting between the two PMs had been productive and that he looked forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
Charnvirakul added that the two nations “recognise the impact of current geopolitical and economic dynamics under the global economy and emphasise the importance of deeper economic engagement to strengthen our shared resilience and prosperity”.
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