Bangkok: The Prime Minister opened a forum to listen to concerns from the southern border provinces, announcing a commitment to building peace. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting to gather opinions and find solutions to problems and develop the southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Attendees included Mr. Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, deputy prime ministers, ministers, heads of government agencies, local leaders, educational leaders, religious leaders, representatives from the private sector, civil society, and other sectors.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chonthanya Saengphum, Deputy Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPC), thanked the government for prioritizing the resolution of problems in the South. This meeting aimed to provide a platform for listening to and resolving problems in the area from representatives of seven target groups, totaling over 150 people, focusing on three main issues: security, economic recovery and livelihood issues, and area-specific development and multiculturalism. The goal is to compile proposals to be directly submitted to policy-level executives for expedited problem resolution. Furthermore, similar forums will be held in five more provinces between September 1st and 10th, 2026.
The consultation process began with the Mayor of Krado Subdistrict, Pattani Province, presenting his views on preventing and solving drug problems in the area. He explained that his approach to addressing drug issues in Krado Subdistrict stems from his desire to disrupt the drug trafficking network at its source, by providing information to relevant agencies. However, he acknowledged that suppression alone is insufficient, as there are still drug addicts who need treatment and rehabilitation to reintegrate into society. Therefore, he brought together local stakeholders-the administrative sector, local government officials, subdistrict heads, village heads, religious leaders, and community leaders-to pledge and make a commitment to seriously address the drug problem. This involved creating a community charter for drug prevention and receiving a "White Village" certificate as encouragement for a drug-free area. Following this, they visited the community to speak with residents. Upon identifying individuals with drug problems, they pledged to reach out, assist, and refer them to rehabilitation programs.
The head of the Krado Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Pattani Province further stated that Krado Subdistrict needs government funding to establish a drug rehabilitation center, with community participation and joint management. This will involve collaboration with government agencies and related organizations, and the involvement of religious leaders in ethics training, morale building, attitude adjustment, and job creation.
Meanwhile, women's groups affected in the southern border provinces are requesting the establishment of a 'One Family, One Assistance Plan' system to care for widows and families who have lost their primary breadwinners.
In Yala province, the president of the Yala Provincial Education Association proposed reforms to teacher development to ensure continuity and alignment with the context of the southern border provinces. This is because Tadikah and Islamic education teachers lack access to professional development and ongoing training. They requested an increase in skilled personnel to support and oversee Islamic education, as there is an insufficient number of qualified staff for the schools and their responsibilities. Furthermore, they called for policies and budgets to develop the potential of sports for children and youth, from elementary schools to international levels.
However, the atmosphere at Songkhla Provincial Hall was tense as the Prime Minister arrived to chair a meeting to hear opinions on resolving problems in the southern border provinces. Religious leaders from the three southern border provinces also participated.
It is noteworthy that police officers and territorial defense volunteers were deployed to secure the area, and a mobile phone signal jamming vehicle was also parked there. This suggests heightened security measures, amidst reports that today (August 31, 2026) is Malaysia's National Day, and that a mobile cabinet meeting is being held in Songkhla province.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Norathip Poynok, commander of the 4th Army Region, declined to comment on preparations for adjusting tactics to align with the peace talks in southern Thailand scheduled for early September.
The Prime Minister stated that the government prioritizes visiting the southern border provinces to listen directly to the opinions and needs of the people. Today, he traveled to Songkhla province, and if circumstances permit, he intends to visit Yala province as well. He also affirmed that the Commander of the 4th Army Region and the Commander of the 9th Provincial Police Region are fully committed to ensuring security in the area.
The Prime Minister stated that the proposals from the people in the area are consistent with the government's approach. The three southern border provinces have significant potential for development. If the unrest can be resolved and peace established in the area, it will open up opportunities for development in many dimensions, including the economy, industry, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as improve the quality of life and create economic opportunities for the people in the area.
The Prime Minister stated that he has a strong connection with the southern border provinces, having visited the area continuously for over 20 years. He has observed the diverse potential of each province, noting that Yala has the potential to develop into a center of culture and knowledge, Pattani has potential in trade and fisheries, while Narathiwat possesses potential due to its border location and can connect to economic opportunities with Malaysia.
The Prime Minister also stated that the field visits allowed him to experience the lives of the people firsthand and witness the coexistence of people with different religions and cultures. This reflects that differences do not necessarily have to be an obstacle, but can be used as a force to strengthen communities and society.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the government wants to see the people in the southern border provinces happy, safe, and living together peacefully. Today, all parties are ready to work together to solve the problems. The government is prepared to fully support any proposals and implementable approaches. At the same time, building sustainable strength requires the people in the area as a key force, because the people and community networks act as a "protective force" that will help prevent, resolve, and sustainably address the problems.
The Prime Minister stated regarding the collaborative approach that success in resolving the problems requires the integration of the readiness and capabilities of all parties. The government has coordinators who understand the context of the area very well, especially the Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, who has continuously provided advice on working in the southern border provinces. This has enabled the government to better understand the way of life and needs of the people.
The Prime Minister stated that the government wants to see all people live together peacefully because everyone is Thai and we are brothers and sisters. The government has a duty to care for all citizens equally, regardless of religion, and is ready to support all work that benefits the people. This is an important opportunity for all sectors to cooperate in pushing for tangible development in the southern border provinces, focusing on building unity, peace, and new opportunities for the people in the area.
The Prime Minister requested that today's consultations be conducted seriously, and that concrete proposals be implemented. Every problem must have an responsible party, and every proposal must have a response, so that all sectors can move forward together with understanding, cooperation, and trust. This will lead to peace and sustainable development for the people in the southern border provinces.