Bangkok: Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, is nearing the conclusion of a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the ongoing unrest in Thailand’s southern border provinces. As part of this initiative, Phumtham will visit the region to engage with local stakeholders and gather feedback on the operational challenges faced by various sectors.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham’s visit to the three southern border provinces is scheduled for May 24-25. During this visit, he intends to meet with district chiefs while excluding other administrative figures like governors from these discussions. Similarly, police station directors and provincial commanders are not required to attend, though military representatives from department to battalion commanders are invited. The Commander of the 4th Army and his deputy have already been consulted, and their presence is not necessary for this meeting. The goal is to collect information and synthesize it into a cohesive policy.

In addition to military and administrative consultations, Mr. Phumtham will engage with the business and civil society sectors in the region. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the issues in the southern border provinces by providing a platform for workers to express their concerns. By the end of June, he plans to finalize and present a comprehensive strategy that will outline the steps necessary for resolving the unrest. This plan will require coordinated efforts from the military, police, administrative bodies, and relevant international parties.

When questioned about potential personnel changes within the operations department, Mr. Phumtham stated that any decisions would be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the situation. He clarified that changes to the 4th Army Area command are not predetermined but may be considered as part of a broader reorganization effort. Mr. Phumtham highlighted his ongoing discussions with the commander of the 4th Army Area and the army commander, indicating a thorough understanding of the current operational landscape.

Mr. Phumtham also addressed the need for prompt action, noting that with his impending visit to Malaysia, he aims to complete the planning phase and determine necessary personnel adjustments swiftly.