BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Customs Department, the Border Patrol Police, and Airports of Thailand (AOT) have launched a joint operation deploying K9 units to screen outbound international baggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The initiative follows directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to stop the country from being used as a transit hub for international narcotics smuggling, particularly for drugs like cannabis destined for Europe and the United Kingdom.
Customs Director-General Phanthong Loykulnand said the department previously lacked enough sniffer dogs to cover passenger terminals, as its seven active K9 units were stationed at cargo and mail centers. The Border Patrol Police provided additional dogs to help expand coverage.
Officials noted that K9 units were previously kept out of passenger zones over tourist perception concerns. However, the measure became necessary as trafficking syndicates shifted tactics from commercial cargo to using individual passengers carrying luggage. To maximize efficiency, authorities will use passenger data systems to pre-screen high-risk passengers before deploying the dogs, with the anti-narcotics agency and local police handling subsequent arrests. (TNA)
