Australia and Thailand collaborate in forensic policing

Editor’s note: Audio clips and images are available here

World-leading forensic scientists from the AFP continue their long-standing forensic-led policing work with Thai counterparts to help combat transnational and serious organized crime.

AFP Deputy Commissioner David McLean said the development of forensic skills in the Mekong region – including in digital forensics – was identified as a priority by the AFP and its international partners.

“Our international partners have made it clear that these specialist forensic and digital forensics skills are crucial in the fight against organized crime groups operating in the region and targeting Australia,” he said.

“Not only do they grow opium for heroin and produce methamphetamine, but they are also deeply involved in human trafficking and cyber scams from the many scam centers just outside Thailand. Enhancing forensics skills is another step as we work with regional partners to protect our respective communities.”

Australian Ambassador to Thailand Dr Angela Macdonald PSM said forensic science is a crucial tool for law enforcement agencies.

“The AFP has been working with their scientific colleagues in Thailand for more than 30 years,” she said.

“Australian experts draw heavily from the experiences of our regional partners. Insights, knowledge and inspiration: Some of their most innovative solutions to forensic challenges in Australia have been influenced by observing how our international colleagues apply unique treatments to problems arising in their countries.”

Ambassador Macdonald last month joined Royal Thai Police (RTP) Forensic Commissioner General Trairong Piwpan and AFP Chief Scientist Dr Simon Walsh to open the ‘Australia Room’ at the Royal Thai Police Forensic Facility in Lampang .

The Australia Room is supported by the Mekong-Australia Partnership and is being used to train police scientists from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Deputy Commissioner McLean said the RTP Office of Police Forensic Science (OPFS) and the Narcotics Analysis and Technical Services Institute (NATSI) of the Thai Office of Narcotic Control Board (ONCB) are regional leaders in many areas, including their drug analysis work and dedication and competence. to connect all aspects of forensic evidence to identify and prosecute offenders.

“The drug profiling work of our Thai colleagues is providing us with vital information to ultimately disrupt drug trafficking through Thailand,” he said.

“This results in the seizure of drugs in Thailand and surrounding countries before they reach Australia, and the subsequent prosecution of drug traffickers.”

The AFP and ONCB are also working together on Project Amplio, a four-year, A$2.4 million joint initiative to improve forensic drug profiling in Thailand and surrounding countries. The project has provided new equipment for the NATSI laboratory, developed a drug profiling database and joint training activities in Australia and Thailand.

AFP members also participated in the Asian Forensic Science Network (AFSN) conference last month. AFP Chief Scientist Dr Simon Walsh delivered a keynote address to more than 700 experts from 18 countries on emerging technologies in forensic science. Dr. Walsh examined new developments in the application of forensic science to law enforcement, looking at opportunities where countries could work together, share information and jointly advance the region’s capabilities.

AFP forensic scientists also hosted a panel session on regional profiling of illicit drugs. Profiling analysis of drug seizures from across the Asia-Pacific helps us target drug production areas and drug supply routes.