BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, as overseer of the southern border situation and Chairman of the Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee (SBPDC), arrived for an official inspection at the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) in Yala Province, on May 20, 2026. The visit aimed to monitor progress and deliver strategic policies to produce concrete results in resolving the prolonged tensions. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister met with SBPAC personnel and chaired a joint consultative meeting with SBPAC executives, the 4th Army Area Commander, and regional provincial governors.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that challenges in the southern border region are complex and multi-dimensional. He noted that state operations must achieve full policy unity and integrated multi-sector cooperation. The administration will use the royal guidance of “Understand, Reach Out, and Develop” as the core philosophy to translate policy into practice. He highlighted that the government continues to allocate sustained national budget support to the region. The Deputy Prime Minister added that throughout his diplomatic career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has managed the international aspects of the southern region’s challenges. He said this comprehensive field inspection provides a vital opportunity to listen directly to local officials and residents. He concluded by commending all field personnel for their sacrifices amid localized risks and assured them that the state would fully support security and administrative units in improving public livelihoods and achieving lasting regional peace. (NNT)
