Lao and Thai Prosecutors Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Transnational Wildlife Crime

Pakse, Champasak Province, Lao PDR, 12–14 August 2026 — Prosecutorial authorities of Lao PDR and Thailand have strengthened bilateral cooperation in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of transnational wildlife crime through the exchange of legal knowledge, practical experience and approaches to cross-border criminal justice cooperation.

The Office of the Supreme Peoples Prosecutor of Lao PDR hosted a bilateral meeting from 12 to 14 August 2026 in Pakse, Champasak Province, to exchange lessons learned on legal frameworks and practical measures for preventing and combating transnational wildlife crime.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Khampheng Somvorachit, Deputy Head of the Office of the Supreme People Prosecutor of Lao PDR, and Mr. Mongkol Jirachaisakul, Deputy Attorney General of the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Manoly Sisavanh, Deputy Country Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Lao PDR, together with representatives of prosecutorial authorities, investigation agencies, natural resource authorities, financial institutions, international organizations and other relevant agencies of both countries.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the current situation and challenges relating to wildlife crime and exchanged information and experience concerning the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as relevant national laws and regulations.

The meeting also discussed practical measures for strengthening the criminal justice response to transnational wildlife crime, with particular attention to investigation, prosecution, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition, and the exchange of information and intelligence between relevant authorities of Lao PDR and Thailand.

Participants emphasized that effective action against transnational wildlife crime requires close coordination throughout the criminal justice process. This includes the timely exchange of information, effective investigation and evidence collection, appropriate prosecution of offenders, and cooperation between competent authorities when criminal activities, suspects, financial transactions or evidence extend across national borders.

In his remarks, Mr. Khampheng Somvorachit, on behalf of the Office of the Supreme Peoples Prosecutor of Lao PDR, warmly welcomed the delegations of Lao PDR and Thailand and expressed appreciation to the delegation of Thailand for participating in the meeting.

He highlighted that a number of species of wild fauna and flora are threatened with extinction and continue to face increasing pressure from human activities, including illegal exploitation and trafficking. Effective protection and management of wildlife resources therefore require stronger law enforcement and appropriate legal action against individuals and networks involved in wildlife crime.

He further emphasized that effective prevention and suppression of transnational wildlife crime cannot be achieved by one country or one agency alone. Lao PDR and Thailand therefore need to continue strengthening cooperation through the exchange of experience, information and intelligence, as well as relevant laws and regulations concerning wildlife crime.

The two countries also recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation between prosecutorial authorities, establishing effective coordination mechanisms, applying modern technologies, developing crime information and intelligence systems, and establishing appropriate frameworks and arrangements for bilateral cooperation.

Capacity development was identified as another important area for continued cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the knowledge and technical capacity of prosecutors, investigators and officials responsible for natural resources and wildlife management so that relevant authorities can more effectively detect, investigate and prosecute wildlife offences.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of closer cooperation among prosecutorial authorities, investigation agencies, natural resource authorities, financial institutions and other competent agencies. Such inter-agency cooperation can support the identification of suspects and criminal networks, tracing of financial transactions, collection and exchange of evidence, prosecution of offenders and international cooperation in complex transnational wildlife crime cases.

Through strengthened bilateral cooperation, Lao PDR and Thailand aim to improve the effectiveness of measures to prevent, investigate, prosecute and suppress transnational wildlife crime while contributing to peace, security, public order, friendship and sustainable cooperation along the common border of the two countries.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Lao PDR and Thailand to further strengthen prosecutorial and law-enforcement cooperation, enhance information exchange and professional capacity, and develop practical mechanisms for addressing transnational wildlife crime in a coordinated, sustainable and effective manner.

Source: Suk, Office of the Supreme People Prosecutor