PM backs southern fence plan, apologises for Muslim school remarks

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has endorsed the building of fences along the Thai-Malaysian border in Narathiwat to curb illegal crossings, weapons smuggling and drug trafficking, in a bid to strengthen security and restore public confidence in the restive southern border region.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Dhnadirek said yesterday that the fences would be erected in Tak Bai and Waeng districts, with funding for the first phase expected to be funded from the 2026 central budget.

Ratchada was speaking during Anutin’s one-day visit to the South yesterday, during which he chaired a meeting at the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Headquarters in Pattani.

She quoted Anutin as stressing the principle of “understand, access, develop” to address long-standing issues and improve people’s quality of life.

Anutin was briefed that security incidents during this year’s Ramadan have declined, compared to last year, although sporadic unrest continues in some areas.

The prime minister also called for broader public participation in local development, while promoting the region’s unique cultural identity, which blends Thai, Malay and Chinese influences.

He praised the Malayu Raya 2026 festival for providing a safe and creative space for youth to come together, saying the government will continue to support such multicultural initiatives.

Anutin also said he personally apologises to the public over Fourth Army Region commander Lt Gen Narathip Poynok’s controversial statement that Muslim educational institutions were being used as breeding grounds for violence.

He said that he had held discussions with the commander, who has long been dedicated to his work.

Due to mounting pressure and increased demands from the central government in recent times, however, the commander may have given incomplete or inaccurate responses while under stress.

He claimed that there was no ill intent behind the remarks.

The prime minister added that he had clarified the issue with the chairman of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre advisory council and representatives of the southern private school association, explaining that the comments did not refer to all ‘pondok’ institutions, but only to certain problematic areas.