On 20 October 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar, in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, organised the “Thailand–Senegal Tourist Police Online Training” to share Thailand’s experience, expertise and best practices in ensuring tourist safety and providing assistance to visitors. The training aimed to support Senegal’s preparations to host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The opening session was presided over by Police Lieutenant General Phongsiam MEEKANTHONG, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, while H.E. Ms. Nipa NIRANNOOT, Ambassador-designated of Thailand to Senegal, delivered the welcoming remarks. The training was attended by 19 Senegalese police officers from Dakar, Saly and the Lac Rose area, led by Chief Seynabou Niang, Head of the Counter-Terrorism Service.

On this occasion, the Ambassador expressed her appreciation to Police Lieutenant General Saksira PHUEAK-AM, former Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, for his guidance and approval in supporting the initiative, as well as to Police Lieutenant General Phongsiam MEEKANTHONG and the Tourist Police Bureau for their support in developing a specialised training programme for Senegalese police officers. The Ambassador noted that the initiative followed discussions held in early September 2026 between herself and Mr. Diamil FAYE, Special Adviser on Sports to the President of the Republic of Senegal.

During the discussions, the Senegalese side expressed its interest in learning from Thailand’s experience and best practices as a leading global tourist destination with extensive experience in hosting major international meetings and events. The training forms part of the Thai Government’s support for Senegal’s preparations to host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will be the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent. The Ambassador also emphasised that tourism depends not only on attractive destinations and memorable experiences, but also on ensuring that visitors feel safe, receive a warm welcome and have confidence throughout their journeys. Tourist police play a vital role in fostering this sense of security and confidence, while contributing to a positive image of the host country.

During the training, senior officers and specialists from the Tourist Police Bureau delivered presentations on six key topics (1) the roles and responsibilities of Thailand’s tourist police in facilitating and safeguarding tourists (2) operational guidelines and manuals for tourist police; (3) inter-agency coordination between tourist police and relevant authorities (4) experience in managing and welcoming visitors at major sporting events (5) the application of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in security operations, including smart patrol systems, drones and AI-powered cameras and (6) disaster management approaches. The programme concluded with an exchange of views and a question-and-answer session.

The training marks another important step in strengthening cooperation between the Thai and Senegalese police through the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices in tourist safety and facilitation. The Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar stands ready to support further cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries beyond the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.