By Kenny Teng
BANGKOK, July 31 (Bernama) -- Thailand has approved tougher security measures for its southern border provinces, including stricter law enforcement, tighter border controls and a review of its peace dialogue, following a recent surge in violence.
National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad said the measures, approved at the council's fifth meeting of 2026 chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, include enhanced surveillance, intensified efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and a reassessment of the existing peace dialogue framework.
Authorities have also been instructed to step up security operations by expanding surveillance to prevent attacks from spreading beyond the southern border provinces while closely monitoring the evolving security situation, he said.
"The military and police have also been directed to tighten border controls and strengthen checks on the movement of people entering and leaving the country, as authorities believe some suspects may attempt to flee to neighbouring countries," he said in a statement.
He said the law enforcement agencies had been ordered to take firm action against those responsible for recent attacks, armed groups operating in the area and individuals suspected of planning future violence, while ensuring all actions were carried out in accordance with the law.
On the peace process, Chatchai said the NSC had agreed to review the existing dialogue framework with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) following the temporary suspension of peace talks during the transition to a new facilitator.
He said any future talks would follow a clearer agenda, with issues addressed in a defined sequence in line with the approach of Thailand's chief peace dialogue negotiator, while ensuring the framework reflected the current security situation on the ground.
On July 28, Thailand announced the temporary suspension of peace talks with the BRN, originally scheduled to be held in Malaysia in September, following a deadly attack in Narathiwat the previous week that killed five rangers.
Despite the temporary suspension of peace talks, Chatchai stressed that the government's policy remained unchanged.
“The government's policy on the administration and development of the southern border provinces remains unchanged, and the government remains committed to continuing the peace dialogue.
“However, the timing will depend on appropriate circumstances and a conducive atmosphere to ensure the talks can ultimately lead to lasting peace and achieve their intended objectives,” he said.
-- NNN-BERNAMA