The Philippines and Thailand will strengthen defense and security ties, particularly against transnational crimes, amid human trafficking incidents within Southeast Asia.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa met in Bangkok on Friday, Oct. 18, to discuss bolstering cooperation between the two nations to address concerns in the region.

“Our two sides agreed to cooperate closely on defense and security, specifically in combating transnational crimes, which continue to victimize our nationals in their online scamming operations,” Manalo said.

Both countries’ move came as dozens of Filipinos were reported being recruited in several Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, to work as online scammers.

Some were also reported to be trafficked and serve as surrogate mothers.

“We also agreed to explore other potential areas of cooperation, such as cybersecurity, peacekeeping operations, and disaster relief, among others,” he added.

​Trade; investment relations, particularly in food security, agriculture, and renewable energy​; tourism, through increasing connectivity​; cultural promotion​; and labor management were also eyed for expansion of cooperation.

​Regional concerns

The two officials also discussed regional developments, such as disputes over the South China Sea, Myanmar conflict and tension in the Middle East.

Manalo said he briefed Sangiampongsa on current developments in the South China Sea, and how the Philippines is upholding the rule of law through the exercise of its rights and responsibilities in the South China Sea in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

"I also updated the Foreign Minister on what the Philippines has been doing to manage through peaceful means in accordance with international law the situation in the disputed areas," Manalo said.

Regarding Myanmar, Manalo said he and Sangiampongsa discussed ways to encourage all sides to explore possibilities towards finding lasting peace and security in Myanmar.

He said Thailand’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar are a step in the right direction.

"And I wish to reassure the international community that the Philippines will also be closely involved in this issue, especially as the Philippines prepares for our Chairship of ASEAN in 2026," he said.

The Middle East tension was also tackled. He said they both shared the hope for "an early end" to the escalating and growing scope of violence in the Middle East, now affecting Lebanon and other surrounding areas.

"The Philippines has consistently supported a two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions," he said.

"As a country with a large migrant population working in the Middle East, the Philippines will continue to urge the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to endorse and support coordinated efforts for the safe evacuation and protection of migrants in conflict zones," he added.