The Prime Minister set a policy for the Interior Ministry and police to work as a "perfect pair," integrating data and granting freedom without interference. He warned that if any minister claims to call on the Prime Minister’s behalf to intervene, officials should record the call as evidence, marking that person’s last day in office.
At 09:00 on 13 Aug 2026 GMT+7, at the Challenger Building, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul launched the first workshop on driving security operations according to government policy at the local level. Attendees included the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, provincial governors, district chiefs, and police commanders from Regions 1, 2, and 7.
The Prime Minister stated that this meeting followed a two-month workshop involving provincial governors and police commanders, focusing on nine key cooperation issues: land encroachment, cybercrime, nominees and money laundering, influential figures especially criminals, tackling illegal debt, tourist safety, database integration, and drug prevention and suppression. These issues are not new; managing them well will bring peace and security, improving citizens’ quality of life. Other responsibilities such as maintaining public order and welfare remain routine duties for governors and police commanders.
The Prime Minister said that if a public poll were conducted today, these issues would rank among the top public concerns. It is undeniable that any incident reflects the state's direct responsibility and signals inadequate citizen care, causing public worry. Security problems no longer follow old patterns; crimes occur at family, community, and national levels with diverse causes. Some criminals have complex networks, so we must adapt and cannot work in isolation. He expressed confidence that if provincial governors join hands with police commanders, district chiefs with police superintendents, and district clerks with sergeants, fundamental issues, especially safety and peace, can be resolved.
The Prime Minister added that during his visits, he observed the cooperation of the "perfect pair" or "duo"—terms now inseparable in building national peace. Since there are efforts to alleviate suffering and promote welfare alongside law enforcement, all must work under the framework of "alleviating suffering, promoting welfare, protecting peace, and eradicating drugs." The Interior Ministry and police are closest to the people and heavily relied upon. Therefore, these two agencies must operate as one team. Seamless integration will provide local data, manpower, and tools to address problems. He urged district teams to use a single data system (One Data) for consistent and accessible information to prevent incidents, and requested everyone to work diligently within the previously set 90-day timeframe.
The Prime Minister also stressed the urgent importance of firearms control. He noted that special strictness is required to prevent copycat behavior and undesirable outcomes. The Interior Ministry's Department of Provincial Administration has already ordered a halt to issuing Type 3 licenses, stopping civilian firearm trading and possession; Type 12 licenses have not been issued for three years. Today, anyone openly carrying a firearm is illegal. Firearms are dangerous if used unlawfully. Typically, firearms are issued to village heads and community leaders nationwide. To reduce firearms nationwide—currently over 10 million, roughly one per 6–7 people—this must change. Excluding children and the elderly, about 3–4 people own one firearm each, which is unsustainable and resembles a "Wild West" scenario. This situation risks serious incidents at any time. The Department proposes awarding outstanding village heads as a morale boost for their roles in public welfare.
Regarding police and local administration, he asked for joint checkpoints focusing on firearm and drug searches. These checkpoints must be well-prepared and rigorous. Officers should ensure their own safety, as suspects may resist violently. Emphasis should be on apprehending illegal firearm carriers and prosecuting fully. The government has assigned Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, responsible for legal affairs, to draft a new firearms law.
"I urge everyone to adhere to my previous directive: exercise maximum independence in duty execution, as per the policy to ignore interference attempts. Do not heed calls unless from the Royal Thai Police Commissioner or your direct superior, as those are lawful orders. I never make such calls myself; if I did, I’d be risking my own position. So, do not worry. If anyone claims 'this is the Prime Minister,' be certain it’s a fake—no genuine call would come. If you record the calls and send them to me, such cases are easy to verify. Should any cabinet member be involved, that will be the end of their career. We operate transparently. You may refuse such improper requests. As long as this government’s policy stands, I guarantee no one will obstruct your official duties," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that officials should disregard any requests to assist wrongdoers but must support the innocent and act decisively and firmly against offenders. He believes this approach will maximize effectiveness and significantly reduce crime.
The Prime Minister added that attendees were not only receiving policy directives but that district chiefs and police station commanders must analyze problems accurately using the same data and enforce laws straightforwardly. Achieving this will enhance public safety of life and property and increase trust in government officials. He offered encouragement and full support.
In closing, the Prime Minister referred to recent incidents in Pattaya involving Russian nationals. He personally visited and found these individuals were long-term residents, not tourists. Crime in Thailand often resembles robbery and mugging, which must be addressed. He noted that tourists can still shop and travel safely overall, but the real threat comes from thieves, criminals, and motorcycle-riding pairs committing robberies to buy methamphetamine. Solving these problems requires good data.
