The government has extended the declaration of security zones for 19 southern border districts by one year until 30 September 2027, emphasizing the continued use of the Internal Security Act to ensure ongoing safety while gradually reducing the use of the Emergency Decree according to the situation's demands.
On 29 September 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet acknowledged the situation assessment and approved extending the declaration of areas affected by internal security incidents under the Internal Security Act B.E. 2551 (2008) in the southern border provinces. The extension covers 19 districts across four provinces for one year from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027, to ensure continuous area management and public safety.
The 19 districts include three in Narathiwat Province: Yi-ngo, Waeng, and Sukhirin; seven in Pattani Province: Yaring, Panare, Mayo, Mai Kaen, Thung Yang Daeng, Kapho, and Mueang Raman; five in Yala Province: Betong, Yaha, Raman, Kabang, and Krong Pinang; and four in Songkhla Province: Nathawi, Chana, Thepha, and Saba Yoi.
The Deputy Spokesperson stated that this extension maintains the original 19 districts after the Cabinet's decision on 11 April 2026 to remove Su-ngai Kolok District in Narathiwat Province from the areas under the Internal Security Act, reducing the total from 20 to 19 districts. This extension marks the 22nd time the declaration has been prolonged.
According to the Internal Security Operations Command's assessment, although integrated operations and arrests of violent operatives have made attacks more difficult, there remain movements and attempts to create incidents in some areas. There is also risk to targets with lower security. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain measures under the Internal Security Act to allow authorities to continuously protect the lives and property of the people.
The public opinion survey regarding the use of the Internal Security Act in the area shows a high level of support at 75.40%. Meanwhile, 70.36% oppose canceling the declaration, while 29.64% favor its cancellation.
The Cabinet also approved related drafts of the declaration and regulations to ensure continuous implementation of the Internal Security Act, including measures under Section 21. This provision allows those who committed offenses out of misunderstanding or remorse and who surrender to enter court-ordered training and comply with court conditions instead of undergoing normal criminal justice processes, providing them a chance to reintegrate into society and support peacebuilding in the area.
Ms. Lalida explained that the use of the Internal Security Act in these areas is a measure for zones still experiencing security incidents but where an emergency situation declaration is not necessary. The government is steadily reducing the use of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005) and applying legal measures suitable to the current situation, aiming to gradually restore governance to normal mechanisms.
“The government will continuously assess the situation in each area, prioritizing public safety alongside the use of legal measures only as necessary and appropriate. The goal is to reduce security measures and return the areas to normal governance when conditions allow, while continuing to build peace and confidence among the people in the southern border provinces,” she said. Ms. Lalida concluded.