U.S. funds training center for Thai police

Police in Thailand began advanced training last week on tackling dangerous situations at the newly opened Thai-U.S. Indoor Tactical Training Center funded with $3 million from the U.S. as the two allies strengthened their partnership in fighting crime.

U.S. Charge d’Affaires Michael Heath attended the opening ceremony of the facility in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province. He said the center supports the commitment of the U.S. and Thailand to combating transnational crime, especially drug trafficking.

“It is vital that we continue to work together as we have done for many decades to address the global narcotics problem. You have got an entire mock village set up here. We are certainly proud that our contribution will enhance your ability to train in an urban environment like this,” Heath said.

The center is an impressive addition to the Royal Thai Police training compound, he added.

The U.S. Embassy officials and Thai security personnel observed a drill in which police dealt with a hostage situation, disarming and capturing the perpetrator with minimal use of force. The safety of those at risk was paramount.

Thai and U.S. cooperation on crime and security is broad and not limited to police coping with violent crime. Heath said the presence of nine American law enforcement agencies in the country reflects the importance the U.S. places on Thailand to assist in joint efforts to combat the full spectrum of transnational crime, including cybercrime.

“For example, Thai experts worked with our counterparts at the U.S. Department of Justice along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration on the AlphaBay operation to shut down the world’s largest dark web marketplace,” Heath said.

“We worked together to set up a task force on internet crime against children to go after those who preyed on the most vulnerable citizens,” he said.

Photo courtesy of http://policenews.co.th/