Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, is set to travel south this Saturday to address security concerns, urging citizens not to associate the recent bombings with the arrival of the new government. In preparation for his visit, Anutin has also announced plans to monitor flooding in the upper central region tomorrow.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin has been actively responding to the recent surge of violent incidents in the three southern border provinces. He confirmed that continuous instructions have been issued to manage these situations effectively. General Nataphol Nakphanit, Minister of Defense, is currently in the southern border provinces to assess the situation, with plans to revisit the area alongside Anutin on Saturday, October 11th, to ensure both security and flooding issues are being addressed.
Anutin expressed his commitment to making the most of his visits, stating, “I go there, and they say, ‘Why don’t we go here?’ I go to the border, and they say, ‘Why don’t we go there?’ I go to the flooded areas, and they say, ‘Why don’t we go to the South?’ It’s a cycle like this.” He emphasized the importance of coordination with security officials, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), provincial governors, and military personnel during his upcoming discussions.
Security officials have speculated that the recent incidents may be seen as a message to the new government. However, Anutin has made it clear that while these concerns are acknowledged, the focus remains on proactive measures to manage the situation effectively. He assured reporters that the strategic plan for addressing southern border issues is already concrete, but its success hinges on the execution by responsible personnel. Anutin also indicated that adjustments in personnel might be considered if performance issues are identified.
In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, is scheduled to preside over a meeting of the Emergency Situation Administration Committee (ESA) at the National Security Council building today at 2:00 PM.