15 – 19 May 2023, Bangkok, Thailand

The WCO National Workshop on Coordinated Border Management (CBM) for the Thai Customs Department was successfully held from 15 to 19 May 2023 at the Customs Academy of the Thai Customs Department in Thailand. Organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in cooperation with the Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia/Pacific (ROCB A/P), the workshop received sponsorship from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan) and generous support from the Thai Customs Department. The workshop was led by WCO resource persons specializing in CBM.

The opening ceremony commenced with addresses from a WCO expert, a representative from the Thai Customs Department, and Mr. Louis Chan, Program Manager of ROCB A/P. Mr. Norikazu Kuramoto, Head of ROCB A/P, also attended the opening session and delivered a comprehensive presentation on ROCB A/P's capacity building activities. The workshop, conducted in face-to-face mode, included 20 participants from Thai Customs.

The workshop focused on the concept of CBM, which involves a coordinated approach by both domestic and international border control agencies. Its aim was to balance facilitating trade and travel flows with maintaining compliance with customs requirements, thereby enhancing efficiency in managing these flows.

Throughout the five-day workshop, participants engaged in discussions on various topics, including the WCO Trade Facilitation Tools and Instruments, an overview of CBM, the implications of CBM for Trade Facilitation and Law Enforcement, and digital customs solutions. The agenda also featured a field visit to Aranyaprathet Customs House and Ban Klong Luk border checkpoint.

The workshop not only deepened participants' knowledge and understanding of CBM but also fostered the exchange of ideas and experiences, promoting enhanced cooperation among customs administrations. By organizing such events, the aim is to continually strive for greater efficiency in customs operations.

For further information, please contact us at rocb@rocbap.org