Narathiwat: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in the country's southern border provinces on Friday, seeking to de-escalate regional tensions following a series of security incidents and a public spat involving local military leadership. Upon landing at Narathiwat Airport, Anutin was seen warmly greeting Lieutenant General Norathip Poinok, the Fourth Army Region Commander amid recent calls from local groups for the commander's transfer.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister, who also serves as Interior Minister, was met by a high-level delegation including Narathiwat Governor and senior security officials. Following his arrival, Anutin traveled to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) to deliver policy directives aimed at addressing the long-standing insurgency. His itinerary includes high-level consultations in Yala with advisor Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and a security briefing at the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) headquarters in Pattani.
The visit also focuses on border logistics and regional development. Anutin is scheduled to inspect the Buketa-Bukit Bunga bridge, a key link between Thailand and Malaysia in Narathiwat's Waeng district. Later, he will pivot from security matters to economic promotion, presiding over the launch of a new tourism project at Bang Berd Beach in Chumphon province.
Central to the trip is the ongoing friction between the military and local educators. Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, accompanying the delegation, addressed demands from the Private School Association of the South to transfer the Fourth Army Commander. The controversy stems from allegations that local Islamic schools were being used to foster violence. Prasert stated the mission is an opportunity to build "mutual understanding," noting that provincial governors hold the primary authority to resolve issues within the private education sector.