The Prime Minister held a security meeting, ordering the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, and police to integrate efforts to make schools safe. He stressed that anyone carrying weapons without official authorization is committing an offense. He reviewed notes from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) directing local operations with an emphasis on intelligence.
On 17 Feb 2026 at 17:00, at the 42nd Military Circle, Senanarong Camp, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a security meeting and received a general situation briefing. The meeting aimed to advance efforts to combat drug problems and provide policy guidance on security missions. Anutin said he was monitoring security in the southern region, particularly violent incidents causing deep sadness, especially those occurring in schools. He urged all sectors to review safety measures in schools, communities, and public areas to prevent recurrence. Creating a safe society is a shared responsibility. He emphasized that police officers, especially the Commander of the 9th Provincial Police Region and the Chief of Songkhla Provincial Police, must expedite investigations and trace the root causes. Reports indicate drug involvement motivates these acts. Simultaneously, efforts must build public confidence through proactive measures. The Ministry of Interior should cooperate with the Ministry of Education and the Royal Thai Police to develop nationwide school security measures, including risk assessments and regular, serious emergency drills.
“Since I became Minister of Interior in 2023, we have continued efforts, and I want to inform the Army Chief of Staff, the 4th Army Area Commander, and the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police. We have stopped renewing firearm licenses since late 2023. Therefore, anyone currently carrying firearms who is not a police officer, government official, or authorized personnel is considered illegal. Firearm carry permits expire annually and must be renewed every year. Since I took charge of the Ministry of Interior, we have enforced this strictly from 2023 onward. So, in 2026, anyone carrying a gun without being a government official is breaking the law. We can immediately prosecute for illegal firearm possession, which is already an offense. I urge proactive enforcement, starting with Songkhla Province and the three southern border provinces where incidents frequently occur. This will raise awareness and lead to strict prosecution of those carrying firearms, which I believe will reduce the risk of such violent incidents,” the Prime Minister said.
Anutin said regarding other security issues, he and his team came to listen and exchange views with the 4th Army Area Commander and governors of the four provinces, stressing full commitment to these efforts. In the past three months, there have been serious incidents, including arson attacks on over ten PTT gas stations, bombings, and various acts of unrest. He said he does not want such reports to be perceived by the public as normal or seasonal signals tied to Ramadan, fasting periods, ordinations, Chinese New Year, or New Year greetings. During today’s meeting, although the SBPAC secretary was absent, he sent notes instructing unified and integrated intelligence work covering security and development aspects. Civilian, military, and police intelligence units in the five southern border provinces must immediately summarize important intelligence for the 4th Army Area Commander and SBPAC to review and forward to higher authorities. All involved agencies are also requested to support drafting new regulations to streamline processes for efficiency and appropriateness given the current reality where citizens suffer and situations evolve rapidly. Cooperation from all parties is essential.
