“Phonphir” is tightening the Ministry of Interior’s special task forces to push forward comprehensive social order management. He urges administrative officials to proactively scan areas and use digital systems to upgrade services, aiming for tangible results every 30 days.
On 8 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Phonphir Suwanchawi, Deputy Minister of Interior, chaired the first meeting in 2026 of the Ministry of Interior’s special social order task force, known as the Special Operations Group (SOG). Attending were Nirath Pongsitthathaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior for Administration; Wirun Sithiwong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration; Dr. Phanu Prawattana, Advisor to the Deputy Minister; Veeraporn Kiatchaiphatthan, Assistant Secretary to the Minister of Interior; along with heads of agencies under the Department of Provincial Administration, task force members, and relevant officials at the Rajasi Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Ministry of Interior Government Complex.
Phonphir stated that following the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul’s signing of the order establishing special task forces under the Ministry of Interior, these groups respond to the government’s policy to ensure security of life and property by seriously preventing and suppressing various crimes such as drugs, fraud, cyber scams, money laundering, and illegal networks. Under the authority of the State Administration Act B.E. 2534 (1991), five special task forces were appointed: 1) Social Order Management Executive Task Force (SOG), 2) Policy Enforcement Task Force, 3) Social Order Task Force 1, 4) Social Order Task Force 2, and 5) Investigation and Expansion Task Force. Each comprises units within the Department of Provincial Administration to integrate, investigate, suppress, monitor, and enforce laws to achieve orderly social management throughout the kingdom.
“This Ministry of Interior’s social order special task force must be committed and work seriously in all aspects to build public trust and ensure society follows laws and regulations. Anti-corruption efforts must intensify again, following the Prime Minister’s guideline to ‘close names, judge behavior,’ focusing on actions without discrimination, prioritizing Thai citizens’ rights, and preventing foreign individuals or entities from exploiting Thai resources, economy, or society. It is time for the Ministry of Interior to reform its operations by ‘Reform’ reforming to strengthen legal processes, ‘Reset’ reestablishing fundamental principles for all duties previously questioned by society, and ‘Enforce’ strictly enforcing laws to ensure public safety economically and socially,” Phonphir said.
Phonphir added that regarding suppression of illegal activities, entertainment venues, and hotels, all parties must enforce laws fully, especially amid social media concerns about over 80,000 illegal hotels nationwide. The Ministry of Interior must investigate root causes, whether due to legal loopholes, official neglect, or deliberate law violations by operators. Strict measures are also needed on nationality issues, misuse of identity cards, and illegal issuance of documents. The principle is that any advantage given to foreigners at the expense of Thai citizens is a serious offense requiring decisive action.
“I urge leaders in the Department of Provincial Administration to instruct administrative officials at provincial and district levels to continuously scan suspicious areas proactively without waiting for public reports, alongside suppression measures. The Ministry of Interior also plays roles in service provision and prevention, needing to keep pace with rapid global changes by applying digital systems to enhance public services for convenience and accessibility, such as Social Listening, online registration, and consultation clinics for proper licensing. The Ministry’s backend systems must be modern, responsive, and timely. At the same time, zoning regulations must adapt to the current era, and law enforcement should balance safety, economic development, and housing value enhancement for the national benefit. The Ministry must have a visionary outlook to anticipate and prepare for future challenges,” Phonphir emphasized.
Phonphir further said that to achieve effective progress, all special task force teams must fully integrate cooperation, work proactively, and strictly enforce laws in all areas. They should use data from the Department’s consultation and complaint centers as mechanisms to hear problems, analyze and develop solutions, and improve laws according to current situations. Additionally, intelligence planning and public communication must consolidate and present accurate information to society and officials clearly, leading to operational improvements. The Social Order Executive Task Force will hold regular meetings on the second Wednesday of each month to monitor progress, address obstacles, and find joint solutions. Enforcement and public protection must proceed simultaneously, with clear results reported to Ministry executives and the public every 30 days. I encourage all personnel to perform their duties fully to bring hope to citizens and for Ministry officials to collectively advance policies that elevate the economy and social quality of life for the people,” he concluded.