THAI GOVERNMENT UNVEILS LONG-TERM PLANS FOR SOUTHERN BORDER PEACE, SECURITY

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, May 13 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday chaired a meeting on the southern border situation, underscoring the government’s commitment to security, community engagement, and lasting peace in the southern provinces.

Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said long-term plans are being developed to support the objectives, including public education on the region’s shared history of peaceful coexistence.

He said the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of local governance in maintaining public order and fostering connections with residents, adhering to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s (King Rama IX) principles of “Understand, Reach Out, Develop.”

"Diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries, particularly Malaysia, was also highlighted. The Thai and Malaysian Prime Ministers have maintained discussions to enhance cooperation in addressing cross-border issues," he said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government's official website on Tuesday.

Jirayu said that Paetongtarn has ordered heightened vigilance, particularly in the protection of teachers, students, and monks, and emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the law to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

He said any misinformation must be promptly addressed with accurate information to de-escalate tensions.

Key officials attending the meeting included Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry Atsit Sampantarat, Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Eksiri Pintaruji, and National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet and provincial governors from Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, who joined via Zoom.

-- BERNAMA