Australia-Thailand relations boosted by increased collaboration on customs
The Australian Government, through the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS), is funding a Thai Customs delegation visit to Australia for capacity building programs from 26 March to 6 April. The Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Mr James Wise, recently hosted a reception at his residence for the participating 11 Thai Customs officials who will travel to Australia.
“The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has enjoyed a close and beneficial relationship with Royal Thai Customs over many years through a range of cooperative initiatives. We are pleased that this program, our largest customs placement program to date with Thailand, will further strengthen the bilateral relationship, particularly in 2012, the 60th anniversary of Thailand-Australia diplomatic relations”, Australian Ambassador said.
Mr Somchai Pulsawas, Director General of Royal Thai Customs, led senior Thai customs officers and the 11 Thai delegates to attend the reception.
Eight Thai custom officers will participate in a two-week work placement scheme, part of ACBPS’s South East Asian Capacity Building Program in Sydney and Melbourne, while three officers will join a one-week Hybrid Ship Search Course in Sydney. The placement program includes study visits to Air Cargo NSW, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport; Container Examination Facility Port Botany; Melbourne Gateway Facility; and Enforcement Operations Melbourne. The visit aims to advance professional skills and enable officers from both countries to exchange knowledge and experience on a professional and cultural level.
In 2003, ACBPS signed a memorandum of understanding with Royal Thai Customs to strengthen cooperation. Over the past few years, a number of initiatives have been implemented including the delivery of training programs in Thailand by Australian Customs and Border Protection experts as well as Thai delegation visits to Australia.
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