PM Orders Officials to Support Southern Border Residents After Attack

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul has instructed local administrators to care for residents in Thailand's southern border region following an armed attack on police in Narathiwat province that left officers wounded and killed. Speaking at the Interior Ministry on August 3, the PM said the Army commander and deputy national police commander have deployed to the area, and he has ordered civil officials to coordinate with security forces to support affected communities.

The PM emphasized that southern border challenges extend beyond ideological opposition to include drug trafficking and smuggling. He confirmed that authorities are conducting continuous raids and stated that anyone attempting to circumvent the law will face arrest. He cited recent smuggling seizures in Ranong province worth 200–300 million baht and another bust in Chumphon on August 1 as evidence of enforcement efforts. The PM assured the public that the current government does not grant clemency, and several officials have already faced consequences for attempting to clear perpetrators.

When asked about the latest clash in Yala province on the morning of August 3, the PM said he has received full reports. He noted that responsible agencies are already overseeing the situation under standing orders to suppress unrest and combat lawbreakers comprehensively, so operational decisions do not need government approval. He also mentioned that dialogue with opposing groups will continue alongside enforcement action, and that Myanmar's president will visit Thailand on August 6 to discuss drug trafficking, mineral extraction in shared waterways, and pollution. The PM is also scheduled to visit Indonesia on August 3–4 to address economic, security, and border-related cooperation issues.