Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul explained the reshuffling of the National Security Council Secretary-General's position, affirming that the chosen individual was suitable for the job. He declined to comment on the request for the Army Chief of Staff from the Army Commander-in-Chief. He also denied rumors of a helicopter firing on civilians, reiterating that the Commander of the 4th Army Region had confirmed no such incident occurred.

According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the possibility of appointing General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, to replace Chatchai Bangchawad as Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC) to specifically oversee the situation in the South. He stated, "Everything is part of the seasonal appointments and transfers. We try to place those who are suitable for the job in positions where they can work most effectively. There's nothing more to it than that."

The Prime Minister did not answer whether General Chaiyapruk had been approached by General Phana Klaewplodthuk, the Army Commander, to assist in the operation. He also confirmed that no helicopters were used to fire on civilians, a fact that the commander of the 4th Army Region also confirmed.

Reporters have indicated that General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, is expected to assume the position of Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC). Furthermore, the Cabinet has appointed Mr. Kitiphon Ruensoomrit, Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), as the new Director of the NIA, replacing Mr. Thanat Suwannanon, who will retire on September 30th. However, even after his retirement, Mr. Thanat will continue to serve as the head of the peace dialogue team for the southern border provinces.