The Prime Minister pointed out that the unrest in the southern border provinces continues because the government is strictly enforcing laws during a transitional period. He urged officials to work intensively and explained that he is not visiting the three southern provinces to allow officials to focus on caring for the people. Meanwhile, the national police chief revealed that police have set up checkpoints and begun investigations.
On 30 Aug 2026 at 11:25 a.m. at Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about the unrest in the southern border provinces following a recent bombing at a well-known department store in Pattani province. He said he has instructed police and military to coordinate under the National Security Council's plan. Regarding continued attacks, he noted this is a transitional period and urged officials to intensify their efforts as much as possible, which the National Police Chief acknowledges. He added at the National Security Council meeting that they cannot merely respond to incidents but must control the situation. A state of emergency is in place, and all actions are under security authorities' command. When asked why officials seem to lag behind attackers, Anutin said the government must follow the law. Using excessive force leads to accusations of lawlessness, so strict law enforcement must be maintained. The current situation results from fully applying the law.
When asked if the cabinet’s official mobile meeting in Songkhla would be used as an opportunity to visit the three southern border provinces to enforce measures, the Prime Minister replied that the mobile meeting will focus on Songkhla province. Related officials might visit the three southern provinces depending on the situation. However, if such visits require officials to focus on protecting dignitaries instead of caring for the public, they will be avoided to prioritize citizen welfare. When questioned about a NIDA poll suggesting the unrest relates to budget issues, the Prime Minister responded that it is better to rely on real facts than survey results.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet added that checkpoints have been established and investigations into recent incidents are underway. Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, has been on site to monitor the situation continuously, coordinating closely with local security agencies.