The Model for Enhancing the Efficiency of Investigation and Suppression against Transnational Crimes between Thailand and Lao PDR through Satellite Imagery Technology and Information Exchange in the Mekong Subregion (CRIMESAT-Mekong) is an initiative aimed at strengthening sub-regional cooperation and advancing the use of technology in combating transnational crimes. Transnational crimes—such as human trafficking, illegal labor migration, drug trafficking, and smuggling—remain critical challenges in the Mekong sub-region, particularly along the borders shared by Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. These crimes not only undermine national security and economic development, but also violate fundamental human rights. Despite existing efforts, limitations in evidence collection, weak cross-border coordination, and lack of access to advanced technologies continue to hinder law enforcement operations. Led by the Investigation and Suppression Sub-Division, Immigration Division 4 (ISSD, IMM4), Royal Thai Police, this project seeks to improve investigative capacity and cross-border collaboration by integrating satellite imagery technology into criminal investigations and establishing regular information exchange mechanismsamong the Mekong countries. Satellite data will assist investigators in identifying crime locations, tracking movements across borders, and verifying incidents that occur in remote or difficult-to-access areas. In parallel, multilateral meetings and intelligence-sharing sessions will be held to foster trust, build joint operational frameworks, and create sustainable communication channels between participating countries. CRIMESAT-Mekong aspires to become a forward-looking model that bridges technology and sub-regional cooperation to more effectively address the complex and evolving nature of transnational crime in the Mekong Sub-region.
