REUTERSThe cabinet has approved a draft ministerial regulation designating certain border areas as controlled zones for goods, aimed at strengthening national security and curbing transnational crime. The Defence Ministry said certain goods sold in border areas may end up benefiting individuals or groups considered a threat to national security, making tighter controls necessary. Under the draft, controlled areas along the Myanmar border include parts of Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai, Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces. In addition to the western border areas, the cabinet also approved a similar Defence Ministry draft covering parts of seven provinces along the Cambodian border: Chanthaburi, Trat, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities said the expanded designation would ensure more comprehensive and unified enforcement, improve the effectiveness of border goods controls, and enhance security along Thailand's eastern frontier.

Source: Bangkok Post February 18, 2026 22:06 UTC