Thai PM vows a proactive southern security push following Pattani mall attack

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who serves a dual role as Interior Minister, vowed today that security forces will take a proactive stance against surging violence in Thailand’s southern border provinces, following the recent bomb attack on a prominent Pattani shopping mall.

He stated that he has instructed police and military to integrate their operations, according to the plan resolved by the National Security Council (NSC).

When reporters asked about the perpetrators still being able to carry out continuous attacks, Anutin stated that, because this is a transitional period, he has instructed officials to work as intensively as possible and that the Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has been informed.

Anutin emphasised during an NSC meeting that "We cannot merely remain on the receiving end of the situation… Meanwhile, with a state of emergency declared in the area, everything is already under the command of security forces.”

When asked why state officials seem to be constantly one step behind the perpetrators, Anutin said that the government must follow the law.

Whenever heavy force is used, the state is accused of ignoring the law. Therefore, strict law enforcement is required, and the current approach is a result of applying the law to its fullest extent.

Reporters also inquired whether he will use the opportunity during the mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla to visit the Southern Border Provinces to reinforce security measures personally.

The Prime Minister responded that the mobile Cabinet trip will focus on Songkhla. While relevant officials may visit the three southern border provinces, the situation must be evaluated first.

If visiting requires officers to prioritise protecting high-ranking officials over safeguarding the public, he would not allow the trips, stressing that citizens must come first.

Regarding a NIDA Poll finding that the southern border unrest might also stem from budget issues, the Prime Minister commented that it is better to focus on reality rather than polls.

Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police, added that check points have been set up in coordination with local forces alongside ongoing investigations. Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, deputy commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police, has been dispatched to the area to monitor the situation continuously, in coordination with local security agencies.