Defense Minister Clarifies Killing of Five Rangers in Narathiwat

On July 24, 2569, at the Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister General Adul Bunyatharnchaij held a press conference to clarify controversy surrounding his earlier interview, in which he avoided using the word "hunt" regarding the gunman who killed five rangers in Narathiwat province. He expressed genuine sorrow over the incident, stating that nothing pains a soldier, officer, and commander more than losing subordinates in combat. "My green heart has remained unchanged throughout my life," he said. "Even though my role is now Defense Minister, I affirm that my subordinates must not die in vain. I have instructed the Fourth Army Region commander to apprehend the perpetrator. I have done this throughout my life—subordinates do not die without consequence. However, my position and role require that if I speak more forcefully, it escalates the situation and adds fuel to the fire. But when it is necessary to express what is in my heart, I must speak. Nothing hurts more than being accused of not caring for my subordinates, and I regret that my words were not fully understood." He denied being angry and said there is no conflict with the Army Commander, with whom he coordinated before the commander visited the area. He apologized for the communication gap. "I do not have a polished rhetoric. When media asks me, I answer without considering the impact would be this severe. It pains me when people say that as a soldier I was one way, but changed when I entered politics. I am not deluded or proud. I am not attached to anything. If you go to the Northeast, you can ask people there—this is the kind of person I am," Adul said. During this interview, the Defense Minister displayed a tense demeanor and tears welled up in his eyes.