(Narathiwat, 19th) Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin, has in principle approved a plan to build fences along the southern border as part of efforts to combat smuggling, illegal crossings, and unrest issues, with funding to come from the central government budget.
Anutin pointed out that the plan covers the Tak Bai and Waeng areas of Narathiwat Province, aiming to strengthen security in the southern border region, prevent illegal entry, enhance law enforcement efficiency, reduce instability in the area, and boost local public confidence.
Authorities stated that detailed design and route planning will be completed before construction begins. The first phase is expected to be supported by the 2026 central government budget, with subsequent phases progressing until the project is fully completed.
Anutin, who is also the Director of the Domestic Security Operations Command, emphasized that political and military measures must complement each other to achieve lasting peace. He stressed that operations should be intelligence-led, actions should be evidence-based, and violators must be strictly brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Fourth Army Region Commander Lieutenant General Narat Poino recently visited the Buketa Customs House in Waeng District to inspect its operations and receive briefings on cross-border movement of people and goods, as well as screening measures to combat illegal activities. He instructed military, police, and administrative units to strengthen cooperation with customs, and to intensify efforts against smuggling, drug trafficking, and militant activities.
Officials disclosed that authorities will expand joint patrols and intelligence sharing mechanisms in high-risk areas. Narat also commended frontline personnel working under harsh conditions and requested that while ensuring public security, border trade transparency and fairness must also be guaranteed to promote local economic development.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that combating drug issues is one of the government's current key tasks. Despite increased law enforcement and the arrest of many drug traffickers in the southern border provinces, the drug problem remains worrisome, especially the trend of methamphetamine spreading among teenagers and young women.
She indicated that the authorities plan to set up county-level drug rehabilitation centers next year, customize programs according to local conditions, and promote them through joint efforts from families, religious organizations, schools, local governments, and security forces.
In addition, authorities have made progress in the investigation of the attempted assassination of Narathiwat Party MP Kamolsak Leewamoh. Four suspects have been arrested, with one still at large and police making every effort to apprehend the fugitive.
Authorities stated that detailed design and route planning will be completed before construction begins. The first phase is expected to be supported by the 2026 central government budget, with subsequent phases progressing until the project is fully completed.
Anutin, who is also the Director of the Domestic Security Operations Command, emphasized that political and military measures must complement each other to achieve lasting peace. He stressed that operations should be intelligence-led, actions should be evidence-based, and violators must be strictly brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Fourth Army Region Commander Lieutenant General Narat Poino recently visited the Buketa Customs House in Waeng District to inspect its operations and receive briefings on cross-border movement of people and goods, as well as screening measures to combat illegal activities. He instructed military, police, and administrative units to strengthen cooperation with customs, and to intensify efforts against smuggling, drug trafficking, and militant activities.
Officials disclosed that authorities will expand joint patrols and intelligence sharing mechanisms in high-risk areas. Narat also commended frontline personnel working under harsh conditions and requested that while ensuring public security, border trade transparency and fairness must also be guaranteed to promote local economic development.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that combating drug issues is one of the government's current key tasks. Despite increased law enforcement and the arrest of many drug traffickers in the southern border provinces, the drug problem remains worrisome, especially the trend of methamphetamine spreading among teenagers and young women.
She indicated that the authorities plan to set up county-level drug rehabilitation centers next year, customize programs according to local conditions, and promote them through joint efforts from families, religious organizations, schools, local governments, and security forces.
In addition, authorities have made progress in the investigation of the attempted assassination of Narathiwat Party MP Kamolsak Leewamoh. Four suspects have been arrested, with one still at large and police making every effort to apprehend the fugitive.