Bangkok: The House Committee on State Security has summoned six agencies to explain the unrest in the southern border provinces scheduled for August 27. Montien Songprach, Chairman of the House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, criticized the delayed response to the incident, which persisted for over 12 hours without any perpetrators being apprehended. Peerapol Kanokwalai, a party-list MP from the Economic Party, suggested that the unrest might be an attempt to undermine the government following its intensified crackdown on illegal activities.

According to Thai News Agency, the unrest was reported in 76 locations across four southern border provinces, with no prior indications of such events, despite the ongoing conflict since 2004. Montien highlighted that the simultaneous outbreaks in all four provinces might be connected to significant holidays, used by terrorists to provoke questions or gain media attention. He emphasized the necessity of investigation and the implementation of preventive measures, expressing sympathy and concern for the affected citizens and officials, while condemning terrorists for targeting innocent civilians.

The committee meeting on August 27 will include six key agencies: the National Security Council (NSC), the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, the Commander of Provincial Police Region 9, and the National Intelligence Agency. The objective is to review intelligence strategies, enhance security measures, and promote unified efforts to restore peace and stability in the southern border provinces, aiming to bring perpetrators to justice swiftly.

Montien, having studied the unrest that has persisted for 22 years without peace, identified four main issues: drug trafficking, smuggling, the substantial annual budget allocated to the area, and separatist movements. He stressed the importance of rational discussion and unity among Thai people, condemning incidents that cause suffering to civilians and officials. The August 27 meeting intends to gather information to determine the appropriate course of action, as the issue remains unresolved after more than two decades.

Montien stated, "The incident occurred and lasted for 12 hours, but the perpetrators could not be apprehended. This is unacceptable. We need to urgently address this, particularly in intelligence gathering and other matters. The Prime Minister has instructed me to find out what exactly happened."

Peerapol further noted the incident's negative impact on the economy, as terrorists target the economy and government credibility. Factors such as the BRN transition period, ongoing budget review, and intensified crackdowns on illegal activities are believed to motivate attempts to discredit the government. The committee's next step is to thoroughly investigate and clarify the root causes of the incident.