The Cabinet on 9 July 2024 approved a proposal by the Office of the National Security Council to extend the enforcement of emergency declaration in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala for another three months, from 20 July to 19 October 2024.

The emergency declaration will be the 77th of its kind, since it was announced on 20 July 2005 as an instrument that would enable state officials to deal with the southern situation and protect the people’s lives and property more effectively.

According to the Cabinet resolution, 15 districts in the three southern border provinces will be excluded from the state of emergency. They include 1) Yi-ngo, 2) Su-ngai Kolok, 3) Waeng, and 4) Sukhirin in Narathiwat; 5) Yaring, 6) Panare, 7) Mayo, 8) Mai Kaen, 9) Thung Yang Daeng, 10) Kapho, and 11) Mae Lan in Pattani; and 12) Betong, 13) Raman, 14) Kabang, and 15) Krong Pinang in Yala. 

Out of 33 districts in the three southern border provinces, 18 districts have so far been covered by the enforcement of emergency declaration. The extension of the enforcement of emergency declaration is meant for the continuation of tackling violence in the three southern border provinces and to ensure public safety.

A report issued by the Internal Security Operations Command, Region 4, Forward, shows that violent incidents in the deep South were on the decline. From 20 April to 13 June 2024, a total of 10 violent incidents took place, four people died, and 20 were injured.

An assessment on the enforcement the emergency declaration in the deep South, made by Prince of Songkhla University, indicates that most local government agencies and civil society organizations, at 66.2 percent, are in favor of the emergency declaration.

The enforcement of the declaration lasts three months at a time and may be renewed, if necessary. Its purpose is to facilitate unified operations between security officers, civilians, and local people in tackling southern problems with greater efficiency.