The Prime Minister stated that there will be no interference in the case of the shooting of MP Kamolsak. He emphasized delivering justice and ordered the development of the southern border area into a global food hub to combat the collateral impact of the Middle East war.
On 17 April 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, serving also as Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), spoke after a security follow-up meeting at Sirindhorn Camp in Pattani Province about the controversy over remarks by the 4th Army Commander that caused discomfort among pondok school institutions and Muslim communities in the area. The Prime Minister personally apologized to the public and said the 4th Army Commander has acknowledged his mistake and apologized sincerely.
Anutin revealed that from discussions with the 4th Army Commander, he has been dedicated to his work, but recent pressures and urgent directives from central authorities created stress, which may have led to incomplete or mistaken statements under tension. He assured there was no malicious intent. Furthermore, he has clarified with the Chairman of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre’s advisory board and representatives of the Southern Private School Association that the comments did not target all pondok schools, but only certain problematic points.
Regarding discussions with MP Kamolsak Liwamo of Narathiwat from the Prachachart Party, the Prime Minister confirmed the case has progressed significantly. The police have arrested nearly all suspects and are expanding their investigation. He asked the public to trust that justice will be fully served according to the law without any interference in the judicial process, stressing that true peace must begin with genuine fairness.
Towards the end, the Prime Minister shared his economic vision, stating the government aims to build investor confidence in the area, seeing opportunity amid the Middle East war crisis affecting oil prices. He said, "Oil cannot be eaten, but Thailand has food," and thus the policy is to promote the southern border provinces as a halal food production base for the global market. He concluded with a memorable image of a Muslim imam massaging the leg of an ailing Buddhist monk, symbolizing harmony that the government will harness as a force for regional development.