BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai government is accelerating plans for the Internal Security Operations Command to transfer security control of the three southern border provinces to civilian authorities by the year 2027.
Following a security meeting at the 46th Military Circle base, Acting Defense Minister, Deputy Minister of Defense General Nattaphon Narkphanit, stated that with about two years remaining, all agencies are preparing for the transition. The handover is contingent upon establishing “safe zones” where the situation is normalized or controllable across all 37 districts of the three provinces. An evaluation will be conducted closer to the deadline to confirm readiness before the Ministry of Interior assumes control.
General Nattaphon emphasized that the government is urging civilians and other government agencies to prepare for the responsibility. He stressed that lasting security requires cooperation from everyone, from provincial governors down to the local populace. The military will not abandon the area and will continue to provide security until all 37 districts are deemed safe and self-sufficient in maintaining order.
A key part of the plan is to enhance the intelligence capabilities of civilian authorities. Provincial and district-level administrations are being pushed to develop their own effective intelligence mechanisms capable of providing early warnings, which would demonstrate their ability to manage the area independently.
Regarding peace talks, the government is pursuing a two-track approach at the local and national levels, with a strong emphasis on achieving success in local-level dialogues first. Following the meeting, General Nattaphon met with both Buddhist and Muslim community leaders in Pattani province.
