Thailand PM holds mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla to address southern unrest

During a mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with over 150 representatives from Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat to discuss solutions for the Southern Border Provinces. The discussions focused on three primary pillars: security, economic recovery, and multicultural social development.

Local stakeholders presented several proposals, including requests for community-managed drug rehabilitation centers, support for widows and families affected by unrest through a ‘one family, one assistance plan’, and increased funding for Islamic education and youth sports. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Advisor to the Prime Minister, emphasized that establishing peace is a prerequisite for any meaningful regional development.

The government intends to continue these listening sessions across five provinces between July 1 and July 10 to establish a long-term development foundation. Officials noted that resolving the unrest is essential to unlocking the region's potential in tourism, agriculture, and industry.