The Prime Minister spoke with "Big Kriang," revealing discussions on all matters and nodding in agreement on setting targets to reduce violence in the southern border provinces, emphasizing that all efforts must be intense. Meanwhile, the former Fourth Army Region Commander believes the appointment of the chief of the Southern Border Provinces Peace Dialogue team is appropriate.
On 29 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was interviewed about inviting General Kriangkrai Srirak, Deputy President of the Senate and former Fourth Army Region Commander, for talks. He said they discussed everything, including security in the southern border provinces and many other issues.
General Kriangkrai stated that matters concerning the Southern Border Provinces Peace Dialogue team have proceeded smoothly, as discussions have been ongoing. Having previously worked with the dialogue team, he has participated in talks held in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sweden. From the military side, there are no concerns, as the appointed leader of the dialogue team is considered the right person, and he believes the Prime Minister made the correct decision.
When asked if the Prime Minister gave any special instructions, he said it was a general discussion with an experienced individual. General Kriangkrai, having grown up in the region, contributed his insights. When questioned about whether targets to reduce incidents were set, the Prime Minister nodded in agreement and added that all matters must be pursued vigorously.
Asked if the new dialogue team brings hope for resolving the southern border issues, Anutin said that strict and rigorous law enforcement is necessary. All sectors and cases must be addressed comprehensively. Currently, drug problems are being tackled intensively, with officials competing to make arrests. The Department of Provincial Administration also assists the drug suppression units.
Regarding the scammer problem, Thailand has received praise and thanks for its full cooperation from the governments of China and Singapore, which discussed these matters with high-level officials who visited the Government House to meet with him.
Afterward, the Prime Minister greeted Ms. Phatdarasmi, the prospective deputy spokesperson, saying, “Only the background check remains, right? You’ve already passed.” Meanwhile, Ms. Ratchada said, “Everyone is ready to work.” Then the Prime Minister proceeded to demonstrate making matcha green tea and tasted it himself, commenting, “It’s bitter.”
