The obstacles in the prevention of motor vehicle theft and trafficking in the border area of Kanchanaburi province (Thailand) and prevention guidelines

Abstract

This article aimed to examine and analyze the obstacles which the Thai law enforcement agencies have in the prevention of motor vehicle theft and trafficking in the border area of Kanchanaburi province. The results of the research revealed that there were 5 major obstacles. They were the unclear policy at national level, the lack of integrated law enforcement mechanism, the lack of local people’s awareness of motor vehicle theft, the insufficient collaboration between Thailand and Myanmar, and geographical difficulties in the border area. As a result, the Thai authorities could not prevent the smuggling of stolen vehicles in the border area effectively. Furthermore, the lack of an information-sharing system for the relevant law enforcement authorities and the legal loopholes in relation to a vehicle theft conspiracy made the prevention of vehicle theft more difficult. This article proposed 6 resolutions that could overcome the aforementioned obstacles, namely, the installation of CCTVs, public participation, prevention of recidivism, surveillance of potential criminal groups, reduction of chances of becoming victims, and development of human resources to increase the officers’ capabilities to deal with vehicle theft.