Bangkok: Thailand has joined the UNODC-WCO Container Control Program becaming the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enter this program.
The Global Container Control Program is a joint initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Launched in 2004 in response to the organized crime and human security threats posed by the maritime movement of illicit goods in sea containers, the program operates through the establishment of specialized Port Control Units (PCUs) securing the global supply chain.
Paisal Chuenjit, deputy director general of the Thai Customs Department, said: “The cooperation between the Thai Customs Department and the UNODC will considerably improve the control of the containerized trade supply chain by enhancing detection of illicit activities and seizure of illegal goods.”
Five other ASEAN countries are slated to join the program soon. [23/01/15]
