The Prime Minister declared there will be no leniency on southern issues, launching a crackdown on drugs and illegal goods. He warned challengers, "Try and fail," ordering administrative, police, and military forces to maintain border security and fully sweep out influential criminals.
At 09:50 on 3 Aug 2026 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the incident where armed assailants used military weapons to shoot at police investigators of Tak Bai Police Station during an intelligence operation targeting persons linked to drugs and violent groups at a palm plantation in Kubu Village, Moo 6, Phraiwan Subdistrict, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat. The attack on 2 Aug resulted in two police deaths and four injuries. He said operations are ongoing, with the Army Commander-in-Chief, Police Chief, and their teams deployed locally. Administrative authorities will work jointly to care for residents. When asked if southern border issues extend beyond insurgents to include drugs and smuggling, Anutin stated the government is aggressively suppressing drugs, which is widely observed. Senior Air Chief Marshal Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s President, will officially visit Thailand on 6-7 Aug. Drug problems, river pollution, and dust pollution will be serious topics for discussion; other issues are less significant.
When asked about arrests of major smuggling agents and drug suppressions in the three southern border provinces, Anutin said arrests are ongoing. While they do not always know who breaks the law, anyone challenging it will be caught, as the media has reported numerous arrests. For example, smuggling arrests in Ranong province involved goods valued over 200 million baht. He warned challengers, "Try and fail." On 2 Aug, similar arrests were made in Chumphon province; it is unclear if these belong to the same network. He is not concerned about that, but anyone defiant will be arrested. He emphasized that this government does not negotiate with criminals. Authorities have clearly shown that while offers to negotiate are possible, no deals will be made, resulting in many offenders being exposed. Many other issues remain.
Continuing progress on peace and stability efforts.
When asked if there were reports of unknown armed assailants using military weapons to attack Lam Mai Police Station, Lam Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Yala District, Yala Province, Anutin said he receives all reports. Relevant agencies are responsible for oversight. All responsible agencies have been instructed to act decisively to quell, prevent, and suppress offenders fully. There is no need to report back to the government as full authority rests with the agencies. Regarding the current situation in the southern border provinces and the postponed peace talks, he said peace talks must continue alongside prevention and suppression efforts. On his visit to Indonesia today, the Prime Minister said all topics are important, including economic, security, and cooperation matters related to the three southern border provinces, which will be discussed.