Thailand Extends Internal Security Measures In Southern Provinces

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a one-year extension of internal security measures in 19 districts across four southern border provinces, from Oct 1, 2026 to Sept 30, 2027, to ensure continued public safety.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the extension covers three districts in Narathiwat, seven in Pattani, five in Yala and four in Songkhla.

She said the extension, the 22nd since the designation was introduced, maintains the existing 19 districts after Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat was removed from areas covered by the Internal Security Act following a Cabinet decision in April.

"Assessment by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) found that although coordinated operations and arrests had made it more difficult for perpetrators to carry out attacks, movements and attempts to create unrest remained in some areas, while vulnerable targets continued to face risks,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.

The districts are Yi-ngo, Waeng and Sukhirin in Narathiwat; Yaring, Panare, Mayo, Mai Kaen, Thung Yang Daeng, Kapho and Mae Lan in Pattani; Betong, Yaha, Raman, Kabang and Krong Pinang in Yala; and Na Thawi, Chana, Thepha and Saba Yoi in Songkhla.

Lalida said the Internal Security Act remained necessary to enable authorities to protect residents’ lives and property.

She said a survey found that 75.40 per cent of residents had a favourable overall view of the use of the Internal Security Act, while 70.36 per cent did not want the declaration revoked and 29.64 per cent wanted it lifted.

However, Lalida said the government would continue reducing areas subject to the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations and replace it with legal measures appropriate to the security situation.

She said the government would continue to assess conditions in each area, with the aim of reducing security measures and returning areas to normal administrative mechanisms when circumstances allowed, while maintaining public safety and promoting peace in the southern border provinces.

-- BERNAMA