The Prime Minister outlined eight policies to drive development in the southern border provinces, emphasizing that security must go hand-in-hand with economic development.

The Prime Minister outlined eight policies to drive development in the southern border provinces, emphasizing that security must go hand-in-hand with economic growth, and building upon Thai-Malaysian cooperation to create a southern region of opportunity and peace.

July 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at The Signature Hotel Airport.Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior He chaired a meeting to deliver policy guidelines for resolving problems and developing the southern border provinces to the governors of Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Satun provinces, as well as heads of government agencies in the southern region.

Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office. It was revealed that the Prime Minister stated that Thai-Malaysian relations are a strategic relationship crucial to the development of Southern Thailand, encompassing cooperation in economics, trade, investment, tourism, security, and peacebuilding. Southern Thailand has the potential to become an economic hub for the region. The government aims to promote cooperation with Malaysia to increase opportunities, create jobs, generate income, and boost bilateral trade to US$30,000 billion. He emphasized that "this gateway of opportunity must not become a channel for threats," and that all sectors must build security alongside economic development to ensure tangible benefits for the people.

The Prime Minister instructed provincial governors, heads of government departments, and relevant agencies that "every problem must have someone responsible," emphasizing the need for teamwork, information sharing, and integrated problem-solving to ensure citizens receive fast, efficient, and tangible services. He also issued eight policies and directives as follows:

1. Maintaining the highest level of security for the public. Integrate all agencies, proactively prevent incidents, and do not neglect areas that the government cannot reach.
2. Enhance news reporting and proactive defense systems. Linking data from all agencies to create a trusted whistleblowing system for the public.
3. Upholding the principles of law, justice, and human rights. Officials should perform their duties professionally, transparently, and without creating conditions for conflict.
4. Combating drug trafficking through Operation 90 Days. Disrupt the network of drug dealers, financiers, and financial trails, while protecting children and youth.
5. Enhancing border management through the Border Security Center. Linking data to combat transnational crime, human trafficking, and illegal goods, while facilitating trade and travel.
6. Developing the economy and quality of life alongside security. Connecting the southern border region with the economy of southern Malaysia and the region, creating jobs and generating income.
7. Use cultural diversity as a driving force for development. Promoting understanding, fairness, and participation.
8. Integrated workflow and intensive monitoring. Assign a responsible party with clear responsibilities and provide continuous progress reports.

The Prime Minister also instructed all provinces to prepare for systematic water management, including early warning systems, drainage, water storage, and water supply for consumption and agriculture, especially in high-risk areas. They were also instructed to develop action plans in three dimensions: maintaining peace and security, developing the economy and improving the quality of life for the people, and building trust, fairness, and coexistence in a multicultural society.

The Prime Minister concluded by saying that the government aims to elevate the southern border provinces from "areas needing solutions" to "areas of safety, opportunity, and economic growth." He urged provincial governors and all agencies to work proactively, without waiting for government inquiries or instructions, assuring them that the government is ready to provide full support to ensure that people can live securely, safely, and with improved quality of life.

refer : thaigov.go.th

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