Interior Ministry Orders Southern Border Security Boost

Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arthit Sampaththirat commented on an armed attack in which gunmen and explosives were used against officials at the Buketa Sami security checkpoint in Rangae District, Narathiwat, resulting in military casualties and civilian injuries. Arthit stated he had issued urgent orders to the governors of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla to elevate security, build confidence, and protect troops and civilians in the region through three measures.

First, security at checkpoints, operation bases, district offices, provincial headquarters, police stations, state agencies, and all critical government facilities must be upgraded. This includes risk assessments, operationally tailored procedures, intensified patrols and surveillance using CCTV systems at maximum efficiency, and reviewed checkpoint positioning, shift schedules, personnel rotation, access routes, and duty times to prevent predictable patterns.

Second, emergency response plans must be reviewed and aligned with the current security situation, ensuring coordinated, systematic response by all agencies to attacks, suspected objects, or explosions while minimizing losses and maintaining operational continuity.

Third, an intelligence and early warning surveillance system must be established by integrating security data across relevant agencies, implementing advance threat alerts, and closely monitoring area activities. This directive aims to enhance integrated multi-sector efficiency in security measures, surveillance of high-risk zones, investigation and evidence collection support, victim assistance, and information management to ensure maximum public safety.