PM Urges Governors and Police to Combat Influential Figures and Organized Crime; Jabs at Suchath for Being Useful but Speaking Out of Turn

At 3:15 PM on May 21, 2025, at the Santitipratip Building in the Government House, Prime Minister Anupong Paojinda and the Interior Minister received a briefing on security operations in line with government policy. The PM concluded the meeting by addressing issues including nominee problems (which he equated with money laundering) and drug-related challenges, emphasizing that Thai civil servants can accomplish anything for the Thai people as long as it is lawful and procedurally correct.

Regarding efforts to scrutinize influential figures, the PM expressed a different perspective, arguing that not all influential people are inherently negative—some can positively persuade others and provide support. He distinguished between simply influential people and actual criminals and gangsters, urging officials to enforce the law rigorously rather than use hasty or careless methods.

When discussing northern region forest encroachment issues to be forwarded to Natural Resources Minister Suchath Chomklin, the PM remarked with humor: "We don't know him that poorly. I know him well enough. He's capable, somewhat of a roughneck, and occasionally misspeak—but he's already apologized to the relevant parties."

The PM stressed the importance of strictly enforcing laws against local mafia organizations and emphasized that in his administration, he personally oversees security agencies without delegating to any single minister. He highlighted the necessity of direct communication, mutual trust, and cooperation among security forces to prevent criminals from finding safe haven.

The PM also underscored the importance of information sharing, calling it "Information is Power," and urged the creation of a centralized database platform linking patient information. He concluded by expressing confidence that these efforts would meet public expectations and benefit the Thai people.