Surin urges the government to clarify the issue of U.S. fighter jets landing in Krabi and criticizes the allowance of Israelis settling in tourist areas amid rising corruption and worsening drug problems. He stresses the need to boldly change the mindset instead of letting issues drag on.
At 16:00 on 10 April 2026, during a joint parliamentary session to hear the government's policy statement, Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin Palare, a candidate for MP from the Kla Tham Party, debated issues of national security, corruption, drugs, and unrest in the southern border provinces, calling on the prime minister to provide clear explanations to the public.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said people are increasingly concerned about the Middle East conflict, especially after U.S. fighter jets landed in Krabi Province, which has alarmed many and raised questions about whether Thailand might become involved in the war.
"This is a very important matter. The government must inform the public about what happened and clarify Thailand's stance, as this directly affects the country's economy, including vital oil and fertilizer supply routes through strategic straits. Thailand must clearly remain neutral," Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said. Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said.
Additionally, Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin noted the large number of Israelis residing in key tourist areas such as Pai District in Mae Hong Son, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. He urged the government to seriously verify the facts to address public concerns and prevent long-term security risks.
Thailand faces a transparency crisis.
Regarding corruption, Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin stated that Thailand is experiencing a severe transparency crisis, pointing out that the country's corruption index has steadily declined from a previously respectable ranking to near the bottom within ASEAN.
"Today, Thailand ranks eighth in ASEAN, ahead of only a few countries. This is a blow to the nation's dignity as it falls behind. The government must accept the reality that financial leakages in ministries, bureaus, and departments remain a major problem, with annual losses reaching tens of billions of baht. The prime minister must demonstrate how this will be addressed," Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said. Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said.
On the drug problem, Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said the government's policy remains the same old approach that fails to solve the issue effectively, and he proposed that the government "think anew and act anew." This would involve separating drug users from their communities, establishing systematic treatment, rehabilitation, and vocational training centers to prevent users from returning to cause problems in society again.
"Whenever the problem worsens, they just hold seminars and then the issue fades away. The government must dare to change its mindset instead of allowing problems to persist like this," Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said. Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin stated.
He emphasized that the investigation into the shooting of an MP must be thorough.
Regarding unrest in the three southern border provinces, Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said although the government talks about "understanding, accessibility, and development," the situation remains worrying. He cited the recent shooting of MP Kamonsak Wivamo from his party as a serious issue requiring urgent resolution.
"The shooting of our MP is drawing public attention. The state must quickly investigate to clarify the motives. Letting this fade away will further erode public trust. If MPs are not safe, how can the people live securely?" Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin said in conclusion. Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin concluded.