South —
At 10:40 AM on January 15th, 2025, Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the recent unrest in Thailand’s southern border provinces following a January 14th car bombing in Narathiwat that killed two police officers, a father and son.
She instructed Justice Minister Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong to evaluate security measures ahead of her visit.
Paetongtarn emphasized promoting peace through dialogue with community and religious leaders and dismissed speculation that the attack symbolized opposition to the government, stating her focus remains on problem-solving and economic development.
Later at 11:50 AM, Paetongtarn expressed her condolences to the officers’ family via social media, commending their dedication to public service. She assured swift government action to restore peace, reiterating her commitment to improving the region’s safety and prosperity.
The PM’s January 16 visit to Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani included attending a debt relief fair in Narathiwat, reviewing key infrastructure projects like the Golok River parallel bridge and the Hat Yai–Sungai Kolok dual-track railway, and meeting religious leaders and students.
She also addressed economic challenges, visited a fisheries hub in Pattani, and inspected dredging projects and financial aid initiatives. This visit underscores her commitment to enhancing transportation, quality of life, and economic security in the conflict-affected provinces.