The agreement was proposed by the Thai Maritime EnforcementCommand Centre (Thai MECC) in 2022 to promote tighter cooperation in lawenforcement and heighten maritime security for both countries.
Vietnam proposed to sign the MoU in September 2023.
The document stipulates the promotion of law enforcementcooperation to enhance regional maritime safety and security in four areasincluding combating illegal imports, illegal immigration; fighting illegal fishing;marine resources and environmental protection; and improving safety in searchand rescue operations.
Rachada said the draft MoU is not legally binding but aims topromote cooperation and enhance regional maritime safety and security based onmutual benefit and equality. The two sides will strengthen cooperation insharing information on illegal immigration and imports; preventing and crackingdown on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, illegal drugtrafficking, piracy, and armed robbery; search and rescue operations at sea; marine conservation; joint patrol operations; port visit; annual performanceevaluation; and other campaigns or activities by mutual agreement./.