National Security Secretary Gen. Chaiyapruk Duangpraphat defended the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), affirming that they have improved the speed of their response efforts and are urgently developing plans to regain the trust of local communities. This follows MP Tawee's criticism of southern unrest management, acknowledging that some parties have influenced the population, complicating resolution efforts.
At 10:50 a.m. on 19 Oct 2026 at Government House, Gen. Chaiyapruk Duangpraphat, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), addressed criticism by Pol. Col. Tawee Sodson, list MP and leader of the Prachachart Party, regarding the handling of the southern border provinces' issues. Tawee suggested redirecting the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) and urged the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to focus more on community engagement rather than acting like security officers. Gen. Chaiyapruk explained that ISOC Region 4 Front continually adjusts its approach, but it must be understood that perpetrators will act whenever opportunities arise. According to reports, ISOC Region 4 Front is constantly modifying its methods.
Gen. Chaiyapruk stated that the Prime Minister has instructed SBPAC to accelerate the implementation of existing plans. On 22 Oct, only responsible and related officials will be summoned for further directives and discussions. He believes both agencies are fully committed to faster and more timely responses. The Region 4 Commander and ISOC Director have emphasized to all personnel the importance of proactive prevention and operations. He expects these efforts to improve control over the situation, though it will take time given the longstanding nature of the conflict. The NSC is working to transform local distrust into confidence through plans to better reach communities. They are urgently revising proactive strategies to be deployed as soon as possible in 2026.
The NSC Secretary-General said coordination among the NSC, ISOC, and SBPAC is ongoing. He receives constant reports and checks in almost daily, sometimes multiple times a day. When the Prime Minister inquires about needed improvements, he can directly contact and coordinate with relevant agencies immediately.
Asked whether resolving the southern border provinces' issues must proceed alongside peace talks or require any adjustments, the NSC Secretary-General confirmed that peace talk leaders have already discussed approaches at all levels. Both efforts must proceed simultaneously. He emphasized that all dimensions must be addressed and that building local confidence is crucial.
When asked if it is challenging that the government is promoting reconciliation in the south while some, especially political factions, mislead and confuse the public, the NSC Secretary-General acknowledged this is indeed a significant difficulty. While they do not accept this influence, explaining and clarifying to the population is very challenging. However, he believes that as the situation improves and development progresses, positive effects will emerge. When pressed whether the principle of understanding, access, and development still holds, he affirmed that if safety reaches a level allowing development and locals cooperate, progress will accelerate. Currently, the main obstacle is this challenge, but once overcome, development will advance more swiftly.