The Prime Minister announced the continuation of peacebuilding efforts in the southern border area, emphasizing the power of local people to solve problems sustainably. He revealed his deep connection to the southern border provinces after over 20 years of ongoing visits, stressing his wish to see the people live happily, safely, and peacefully together.
At 17:00 on 31 August 2026, at the Songkhla Provincial Hall, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla Province, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, disclosed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting to listen to opinions on solutions and development strategies for the southern border provinces, namely Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The meeting was attended by Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Board and Deputy Prime Minister; ministers; heads of government agencies; local leaders; educational and religious leaders; private sector representatives; civil society; and various stakeholders.
The Prime Minister stated that the government prioritizes visiting the southern border provinces to hear directly from the people about their opinions and needs. He traveled to Songkhla today and intends to visit Yala if the situation permits. He confirmed that the Fourth Army Commander and the Commander of the 9th Provincial Police Region are fully committed to ensuring security in the area.
Anutin added that the suggestions from local people align with the government's working approach. The three southern border provinces have significant potential for further development. If unrest can be resolved and peace established, opportunities will arise for growth in multiple dimensions, including economy, industry, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as improving quality of life and economic chances for local residents.
. . . He further said that he has a strong bond with the southern border provinces from continuously visiting the area for over 20 years and has observed the distinct potential of each province. Yala has opportunities to develop as a cultural and knowledge center; Pattani has strengths in trade and fisheries; while Narathiwat benefits from its border location and can connect economic opportunities with Malaysia.
His visits allowed him to experience the lives of local people closely and observe peaceful coexistence among communities with different religions and cultures, demonstrating that diversity need not be a barrier but can be a source of strength for communities and society.
. . . The Prime Minister emphasized that the government wants people in the southern border provinces to live happily, safely, and peacefully together. Today, all parties are ready to collaborate on problem-solving. The government is prepared to fully support feasible proposals and approaches. Sustainable strengthening requires local people as a vital force since communities and their networks act as an immunity that helps prevent, solve, and resolve issues sustainably.
Additionally, the Prime Minister spoke about collaborative work approaches, stating that success in solving problems requires integrating the readiness and potential of all sectors. The government has coordinators who deeply understand the local context, especially the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Board, who continuously advises on southern border province affairs. This has helped the government better understand local lifestyles and the people's needs.
The government wants all citizens to live together peacefully because everyone is Thai and brothers and sisters. The government has a duty to care for all people equally, regardless of religion, and supports any work beneficial to the people. This is a vital opportunity for all sectors to cooperate in driving concrete development in the southern border provinces, aiming to build unity, peace, and new opportunities for the local population.
However, the Prime Minister requested that today's listening session be taken seriously and that proposals be implemented concretely. Every problem must have a responsible party, and every suggestion must have a response, so that all sectors can move forward together with understanding, cooperation, and trust. This will lead to peacebuilding and sustainable development for the people in the southern border provinces.
