(AseanAll)  — On July 10, 2026, at the Signature Hotel Airport, Songkhla, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting to hand down policy in addressing problems of and developing the Southern border provinces. Participating in the meeting were provincial governors of Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Saturn provinces, and chiefs of local administrations.  

The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand’s Southern part is a potential area for the region’s economic linkage. Thailand-Malaysia relations are strategically vital to the development of the Southern provinces, particularly economic, trade, investment, tourism, security, and peacekeeping cooperation. The Government is, therefore, committed to promoting cooperation with Malaysia to expand opportunities, create jobs, generate income, and push bilateral trade toward the target of USD 30 billion. He also reiterated that this gateway of opportunity must not become a channel for threats. All sectors must build security in parallel with economic development for the people’s tangible interest.

The Prime Minister further stated to provincial governors and heads of all relevant agencies that “every problem must have a responsible lead agency.” There is also the need to work as one team, promote information and data linkage, and solve problems in an integrated manner. This is in a bid for the people to receive prompt and efficient services with clear outcomes. He then handed down 8 policies and directives as follows:

1. Ensure maximum public security: Integrate effort of all agencies, adopt proactive prevention, and ensure that no area is left unchecked by the authority

2. Upgrade intelligence and proactive defense systems: Connect data and information among all agencies and establish a trusted public reporting system

3. Uphold law, fairness, and human rights: Ensure officials act professionally, transparently, and without creating conditions that may incite conflict

4. Suppress narcotics through “Operation 90 Days”: Dismantle dealers, networks, financiers, and financial routes, while protecting children and youth

5. Elevate border management through the Border Security Integration Center: Integrate data, and combat transnational crime, human trafficking, and illegal goods, while facilitating trade and travel

6. Develop economy and quality of life alongside security: Connect Southern border areas with the Southern economy, Malaysia, and the whole region to create jobs and income

7. Leverage cultural diversity as a development force: Promote understanding, fairness, and participation

8. Integrate operations and intensify monitoring: Assign clear responsibility to lead agencies and encourage continuous reporting of results

The Prime Minister also instructed all provinces to prepare systematic water management, including early warning, drainage, storage, and supply for consumption and agriculture, especially in the at-risk areas. They are also ordered to develop action plans in 3 dimensions, i.e., peacekeeping and security, development of local economy and people’s quality of life, and promotion of confidence, fairness, and coexistence in a multicultural society.

In closing, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Government strives to elevate the Southern border provinces from being “problem areas” to becoming “areas of safety, opportunity, and economic growth.” He urged governors and all agencies to work proactively without waiting for inquiries or orders from the central Government. The Government is ready to provide full support so that the people can live securely, safely, and with a better quality of life.