Mukdahan: The director of the Phayanakarat Task Force raided Mukdahan to intercept smuggled agricultural products crossing the Mekong River. The Director of the Phaya Nakarat Task Force, Pol. Maj. Gen. Montri, intensified efforts to crack down on smuggled agricultural products across the Mekong River, ordering a crackdown on smuggling rings and disloyal officers, in preparation for a surge of produce during the New Year period.
According to Thai News Agency, on December 12, 2025, the Phaya Nakarat Task Force declared war on smuggled agricultural products along the Mekong River. Police Major General Montri Paencharoen, Director of the Phaya Nakarat Task Force, urgently traveled to Mukdahan after intelligence revealed suspicious activity by a smuggling syndicate attempting to evade taxes. He ordered a mobilization of forces to close loopholes in the natural smuggling network and warned of disciplinary action against any officials found to be corrupt, in order to protect Thai farmers before the produce reaches the market.
Yesterday at 10:00 AM, at the Mukdahan Provincial Hall, Pol. Maj. Gen. Montri Paencharoen, Director of the Special Task Force for Investigation and Suppression of Agricultural Crimes (STF Phayanakarat), along with his investigation team and legal department, conducted a proactive "hands-on" operation to monitor the situation and implement measures to intercept illegal agricultural products.
This field visit stems from intelligence reports indicating attempts to smuggle illegal agricultural products across the natural border along the Mekong River, both in small-scale "army smuggling" tactics and large-scale operations. The focus is particularly on high-risk products such as dried garlic, shrimp, and pork, directly impacting pricing mechanisms and the livelihoods of Thai farmers.
Major General Montri held a meeting with the Director of the Phayanakarat Police Station in Mukdahan Province, heads of government departments under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and relevant security agencies to "tighten the screws" on operations, making them more efficient and effective. Emphasis was placed on urgently assessing high-risk areas by rapidly updating the situation and intelligence in the field to stay abreast of the tactics used by smuggling rings. Furthermore, obstacles on the ground were addressed by listening to and resolving challenges in making arrests, thereby enabling officers to enforce the law effectively and decisively.
Regarding the suppression and prevention of corruption, a Zero Tolerance policy has been emphasized, strictly prohibiting any official from being involved in or accepting any benefits. If detected, legal action will be taken to the fullest extent without exception.
Furthermore, the efforts are set to intensify during the New Year period as this is a festive season and many types of Thai agricultural products are entering the market. Increased patrols and crackdowns are necessary to prevent counterfeit goods from flooding the market and undermining domestic product prices.
Following the meeting, the working group immediately inspected high-risk areas along the Mekong River to demonstrate their capabilities in deterring and preventing crime.
"This mission is in line with the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Captain Thamanat Phromphao, who declared war on illegal agricultural products and instructed all sectors to take the crackdown seriously, because the livelihoods of our farmers depend on us. I would like to encourage all officers who are working with honesty and dedication. Please stand firm and protect Thai farmers. We will eradicate these illegal activities completely," said Pol. Maj. Gen. Montri.