On 17-18 April 2026, representatives from the Department of ASEAN Affairs participated in the 22^nd ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (ISM on CTTC) in Manila, Philippines, which was co-chaired by Bangladesh, the United States, and the Philippines.

The meeting exchanged views and best practices across five areas of cooperation: (1) drug trafficking; (2) chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security; (3) preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism; (4) human trafficking; and (5) border security management.

Thailand emphasized the impact of online scams and called on the international community to work collectively to develop effective solutions. In that regard, Thailand proposed the issue to be included as another priority area while sharing Thailand’s best practices including the establishment of Anti Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) as well as the hosting of the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams. Thailand also highlighted its effort in strengthening border security management through various initiatives including ASEAN Border Management Cooperation Roadmap, reflecting Thailand’s readiness to co-chair ARF ISM on CTTC in the next cycle.

Moreover, the Thai representative was invited to brief the meeting on “Efforts in Countering Illicit Drugs Trafficking” in which Thailand noted its comprehensive, balanced, and integrated approach, with best practices such as strengthening community resilience as prevention measure, comprehensive social rehabilitation, as well as operation “Seal-Stop-Safe.”

ARF is an ASEAN-led mechanism that serves as a confidence building platform through inclusive and constructive exchange, among its 27 participants, on political and security issues in Asia-Pacific.