Figure 1. The project cross border sites in Southeast Asia (the map created using Google® maps)
The collaboration work will be conducted in a number of cross border areas in ASEAN, The tentative sites include
I. The borders along the East-West Corridor (point E-D-C) between Thailand –Laos–Vietnam (Mukdahan–Savannakhet–Quang Tri). This trans-peninsular corridor will finally connect ports on both sides and has the potential to become a major route of transportation between countries in Indian and Pacific Oceans. Heavy road traffics are expected. The city of Savannakhet and Mukdahan resides close to both sides of Laos-Thailand border.
II. Laos–Thailand (Champasack–Ubonratchathani) point B-A. This is a smaller pass between two countries, therefore, is subjected to less vigorous disease surveillance and control. However, it will continue to play an important transportation role. The site will be studied in comparison with the site I.
III. China–Laos (Mengla–LuangNamtha)point F-G. This is a part of the North South Corridor with the border areas still much less developed than the East West Corridor.
IV. Thailand–Cambodia (Sakaeo–BanteayMeanchey) point H-I. This is a part of the trans-peninsular Southern Corridor that connects several big cities in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. There is a potential of heavy traffic in the near future. The border areas are fairly well-developed.
Three microorganisms with biosecurity concern will be studied, with the same protocols in all sites. Each site may study 1-3 pathogens as relevant to that particular area. Studies of all three pathogens will be done at least at Mukdahan–Savannakhetborders.