Bangkok: The Prime Minister has confirmed that the National Security Council (NSC) is on the verge of finalizing the appointment of its new Secretary-General, succeeding Chatchai Bangchawad. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, also aims to address the escalating tensions in the southern border provinces.

According to Thai News Agency, the 6th National Security Council meeting of 2026 was held at the Vichitvadakarn Meeting Room, housed within the National Security Council Building at Government House. The session saw the participation of several key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan, Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Justice Police Lieutenant General Ruddhaphol Naowarat, and other notable officials and representatives from relevant agencies.

As the Prime Minister arrived at the meeting, he refrained from responding to queries from reporters regarding whether the NSC would finalize the list of Secretaries at the meeting. Instead, he acknowledged their questions with a nod before proceeding to the meeting.

Today's agenda is anticipated to include the nomination of General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, as the new Secretary-General of the NSC. The nomination follows the impending retirement of Ms. Yupapha Thawiwattanakitbaworn from her role as Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office on September 30th. Subsequently, the Cabinet meeting on August 25th resolved to transfer her to the same post.

Once the NSC approves the new Secretary-General, the appointment will be presented to the Cabinet for confirmation. The NSC is also expected to propose a list of potential candidates for the position, with Mr. Ratchakorn Napapornpipat, the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSC, being a likely candidate.

Additionally, discussions at the meeting are reported to include the situation in the southern border provinces, where unrest has been prevalent. There is consideration for altering the format of ongoing talks as Malaysia has yet to provide a list of facilitators for these discussions.