Bangkok: The Prime Minister chaired a mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla, where representatives from the five southern border provinces proposed 199 projects totaling 57 billion baht. A proposal was also made to appoint "Big Pooduang" (a nickname for a high-ranking official) as Secretary-General of the National Security Council.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul led the first official Cabinet meeting outside of Bangkok in 2026 at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. A significant agenda item was the consideration of appointing General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, to the position of Secretary-General of the National Security Council. This appointment is drawing considerable attention.
Another focus of the meeting was the nomination of a new Prime Minister's spokesperson, following reports that Dr. Ekkapop Pienpises, assistant to Prime Minister Paradorn Prisnanantakul, will assume the position. Meanwhile, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, the current government spokesperson, is set to become Mr. Paradorn's assistant.
The meeting also saw the group of five southern border provinces-Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat-propose a substantial development budget for 199 projects, totaling over 57 billion baht. Key infrastructure projects include the second phase of the southern double-track railway project (Chumphon-Padang Besar), valued at over 100 billion baht, and discussions concerning the construction of a bridge across Songkhla Lake and a bridge connecting Koh Lanta. The proposals emphasized economic development, tourism, border trade, and water management to prevent flooding.
Songkhla's proposals aimed at elevating the cultural heritage of the Songkhla Lake basin to World Heritage status, along with developing community-based tourism. Other projects include constructing a reinforced concrete bridge in Hat Yai district and protecting the Bang Dan canal embankment in Mueang district to mitigate flooding.
Satun Province proposed constructing an international convention center, improving the Ratchakitprakarn Stadium to support sports tourism, and renovating the Ban Tha Thale pier in Koh Sarai Subdistrict.
Pattani Province focused on developing the road network, enhancing water management systems, and maintaining coastal waterways in the Pattani Channel.
Yala Province proposed improvements for the Jarupattana Stadium in Yala Municipality, dredging the Baemoh swamp, and upgrading the Siroth Road concrete road. A retaining wall along the Buereh Canal in Bannang Sata District is also planned to address erosion.
Narathiwat Province aims to enhance the national highway network to boost tourism and border trade industries.
The meeting also discussed a disaster insurance project for approximately 20 million households with a budget of 10 billion baht. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment proposed a draft ministerial regulation on forest utilization permits. The Ministry of Transport presented the National Rail Technology Strategy 2028-2032 and sought approval for six double-track railway projects.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives reviewed the Cabinet resolution on organizing the World Horticultural Expo, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed amendments to a Memorandum of Understanding regarding border fence construction.
The Ministry of Public Health recommended adopting the Ministerial Declaration on Health Workforce at the World Health Organization's regional committee session. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior submitted a report on establishing a disaster relief fund and an insurance system for managing disaster-related damages.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society proposed legal action regarding domestic communication satellites. For informational purposes, the Ministry of Industry suggested a draft Ministerial Regulation exempting fees for factory operators in certain districts and provinces. Lastly, the Ministry of Interior submitted a draft announcement regarding the enforcement of the Songkhla City Comprehensive Plan for informational purposes only.