The delegation reviewed progress under the SDG Localization Phase 2 program, which supports community-level development across Thailand. Local authorities presented efforts to align provincial strategies with sustainability targets, with participation from both government agencies and community groups.

Officials toured key sites across Narathiwat municipality, including historic districts, cultural landmarks, and waterfront areas linked to the province’s heritage. The visit included the old town area, traditional architecture, and locations tied to past river transport and pilgrimage routes.

The delegation also engaged with local communities, observing traditional livelihoods such as food production and boat building, as well as visiting social welfare facilities. The visits provided insight into local economic activity and community resilience, promoting the southern province as a cultural tourism destination supported by strong local participation. 

Narathiwat is currently being developed as a model for community-based growth aligned with international sustainability goals.

The seminar took place on 5 March 2026 at Narathip Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Bangkok. It was moderated by Associate Professor Surachart Horachaikul, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. Distinguished speakers included Assistant Professor Dr. Panupat Jittieng, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University; Assistant Professor Dr. Pailin Kittiserichai, Faculty of Social Sciences, Kasetsart University; and Mr. Chairat Sirivat, former Ambassador attached to the Ministry. The event was attended by more than 150 participants, including representatives from government agencies, civil society, and university students.

During the seminar, the speakers examined lessons learned from several international case studies, including the conflict between the Sultanate of Oman and the Dhofar insurgency, internal conflict arising from apartheid policies in the Republic of South Africa, and the conflict between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). These cases illustrate conflicts that emerged from power imbalances between governments and dissenting groups, particularly regarding political participation, socio-economic development, and access to resources, which in turn led to resistance against the state and the use of violence.

The exchange of views on these case studies provided participants with insights into systematic approaches to violence reduction and conflict management. The speakers emphasized the importance of integrated measures encompassing security, development, confidence-building between the state and the public, and the design of appropriate dialogue processes.

In addition, participants discussed the importance of maintaining a balance between traditional security, which focuses on safeguarding the safety and stability of the state, and human security, which prioritizes quality of life, justice, and public trust. Both dimensions must be pursued in a coordinated and complementary manner in order to achieve sustainable long-term stability. 

The speakers also underscored the importance of effective public communication and strong political will to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, including both formal and informal negotiation processes. These lessons may serve as useful case studies for developing approaches for Thailand.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the seminar reflected its commitment to promoting an integrated approach to development and security, and highlighted its role in supporting human resource development and fostering international understanding on issues related to development in Thailand’s southern border provinces.

The project was carried out between 30 January and 3 February 2026 to provide the youths with opportunities to learn more about Thailand’s history, culture, and local wisdom, while exchanging views and experiences with one another.

It was arranged under the theme “Peace Railway: From the Langkasuka Kingdom through the Srivijaya and Dvaravati Eras to the Rattanakosin Period.” It also aimed to promote better understanding of Thailand’s cultural and religious diversity, as well as unity and peaceful coexistence.

Director of the Fifth Operations Coordination Center of ISOC Lieutenant General Prasert Muatchiangka presided over the closing ceremony of the Peace Railway project at the Army Club in Bangkok on 2 February. The ceremony was also attended by Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy in Madrid Pornpimol Sugandhavanija (attached to the Office of the Permanent Secretary), as representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the ceremony, a video presentation on the project was shown, followed by sharing of experiences by the participating youths. The event also featured cultural performances from the southern border provinces, as well as exhibitions on the Royal Projects and the history of the State Railway of Thailand, reflecting Thailand’s history, culture, and diversity.

The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with the youths and shared information on programs and activities, organized by the ministry to support young people from the southern border provinces and across the country.

These include English language camps, domestic study visits to learn about Thai culture and diversity, and internship opportunities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As the security situation had been brought under control, the Narathiwat Task Force on 12 January issued an announcement lifting the previously imposed curfew prohibiting people in Narathiwat from leaving their homes between 21.00 and 05.00 hr, under the Martial Law Act B.E. 2457 (1914).

The decision is intended to allow local residents to continue their normal lives, ease inconveniences, boost local economic development, and promote tourism in the deep South.

According to the Internal Security Operations Forward Command of the Fourth Army Area, the Prime Minister ordered the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) to assign its personnel to work closely with provincial and district officials to survey damaged property and speed up compensation for those affected, both local residents and entrepreneurs.  

SBPAC was told to periodically report progress of its operations in this matter to the Prime Minister, while security agencies were instructed to track down and arrest the perpetrators for prosecution as soon as possible. Moreover, all relevant agencies were ordered to restore confidence of people in and outside the deep South.  

The Internal Security Operations Forward Command of the Fourth Army Area stated that progress had been made on the tracking down of the perpetrators. It also condemned the violent acts, saying that these violations of the law threatened public safety, destroyed local economic infrastructure, and worsened the situation for local people as they only recently faced a flooding disaster.

Based on investigations, it is believed that the violent acts have been launched by those who have contrary views in the three southern border provinces.

Authorities have also stepped up security measures at border crossing points along the Thailand–Malaysia border, tightening controls on the entry and exit of all types of vehicles, the movement of people, and the trade of all goods by both Thai and foreign nationals.

In addition, a curfew has been imposed in Narathiwat Province from 21:00 to 05:00 hr, except in cases of urgent necessity. Individuals requiring travel during curfew hours must seek permission from military, police, or local administrative officials in the area.

Authorities have conducted site inspections and collected forensic evidence to identify those responsible and bring them to justice in accordance with the law.

Lieutenant General Norathip Poinok, Fourth Army Area Commander and Director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC Region 4), has ordered security measures raised to the highest level. All units have been instructed to remain on full alert and respond immediately to any emerging incidents.

An urgent coordination meeting was also held among relevant agencies to strengthen integrated operations, ensure rapid information sharing, and enhance preventive measures in the area.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and follow updates only through official government channels. Local residents are advised to stay vigilant, exercise caution when travelling, and report any suspicious persons or objects via ISOC security hotlines 1341 and 1374, available free of charge, 24 hours a day.

The Prime Minister on 11 October 2025 chaired a meeting of security officials in Yarang District, Pattani Province, during his visit to the deep South to follow up on progress of operations for peacebuilding and local development. 

Also attending the meeting were Minister of Defense General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Deputy Minister of Interior Songsak Thongsri.

The Prime Minister expressed his sympathy to those who had been affected by the southern situation and gave encouragement to all officials operating actively in the southern border provinces. He stressed that the Government places the highest priority on the safety of the people and officials and the protection of their property.

In order to enhance the efficiency in resolving problems in the deep South, the Prime Minister instructed relevant agencies to (1) upgrade intelligence operations and work in an integrated manner to prevent violent acts, (2) ensure fair law enforcement, while protecting innocent people and bringing perpetrators to the judicial process, and (3) strengthen unified operations among the military, police, civil administration, and local communities.

He also stated that the Government would continue the process of peace talks to ease conflicts and build lasting peace in the deep South, The Prime Minister referred to his policy statement in the National Assembly, in which he affirmed that the Government would accelerate the tackling of the southern situation, together with promoting local development and upgrading local people’s quality of life, so that they would enjoy better living conditions.

Mr. Pongprach Makchang, Ambassador attached to the Ministry, and Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul, Deputy Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), led officials from the Ministry and the SBPAC to visit Karachi and Islamabad from 21 to 26 August 2025.

The visit was part of the 2025 Project to Promote Understanding of the Situation at the Southern Border Provinces in the International Community and among Thai Muslim Students Abroad in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The delegation met with Dr. Noman Naeem, President of Binoria University (Jamia Binoria Aalamia), and university executives in Karachi, to discuss a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on academic cooperation with educational institutions in Thailand’s southern border provinces, particularly in the field of Halal Food Science. 

The delegation, together with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Karachi, also hosted a luncheon with Thai Muslim students studying in Karachi and took this opportunity to learn more about their academic progress, well-being, and challenges faced during their studies. 

It paid a courtesy call on Mr. Surashete Boontinand, Consul-General in Karachi, to exchange views and attend a briefing on the role of the Consulate-General in promoting welfare, as well as developing essential skills for Thai Muslim students in the area.

Afterwards, the delegation met with Prof. Dr. Abdul Raheman, Vice President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and university executives in Islamabad, to explore avenues for educational cooperation and the possibility of signing an MOU between IIUI and educational institutions in the southern border provinces. 

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and attended a briefing on the Embassy’s efforts in supporting Thai Muslim students in the area. 

In addition, it observed a training program for leadership and personality development organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad, aimed at empowering Thai Muslim students with personal development and equipping them with essential Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills for their future careers.

According to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the youth representatives met members of government agencies that play key roles in supporting initiatives to promote Penang’s multicultural society. They also studied the city’s urban landscape and planning, which reflect its religious and cultural diversity. 

On this occasion, the delegation met Mr. Psusist Wongsurawat, Consul-General of Thailand to Penang, for a briefing on the history of Penang’s multiculturalism, and visited (1) the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Penang Office, (2) Tourism Malaysia, (3) Penang Global Tourism, (4) Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, and (5) Penang State Executive Councilor for Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs. 

The visits and meetings provided opportunities for the youth representatives to enhance understanding and exchange views on Penang’s model of multiculturalism (“cultural mosaic”), as characterized by the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, and language backgrounds. 

They also learned about the roles of government agencies in constructing and representing multiculturalism, while establishing mechanisms to promote participation and constructive interaction among all sectors of society.

In addition, the delegation also visited key cultural sites in Penang that reflect the concept of peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society, particularly along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, also known as the “Street of Harmony,” where places of worship of different religions are located, such as St. George’s Anglican Church, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, the Kapitan Keling Mosque, and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. 

The delegation expressed interest and exchanged views on multicultural society in the southern border provinces of Thailand, while experiencing first-hand knowledge on multicultural society in Penang. This would be beneficial for the future development of harmonious co-existence of the people in the deep South of Thailand, the land of cultural diversity.

 SBPAC Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak led a team of SBPAC executives and staff to meet Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who is now Acting Prime Minister. 

The meeting took place on 8 July 2025 before the Cabinet meeting at Government House, where the exhibition “Taste of the South” was held to showcase the cultural diversity and local wisdom of the southern border provinces.

More than 30 selected products were on display, reflecting the identity of the southern border provinces, which make up a multicultural society. They include food and beverages, clothes and accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, handicrafts, and products from the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT), such as batik and yan lipao handbags. 

SBPAC presented guidelines to promote the creative economy in order to upgrade the quality of life of local residents on a sustainable basis. The organizing of the “Taste of the South” exhibition was in response to the Government’s policy of “soft power,” with the use of local materials.

Mr. Phumtham viewed the exhibition, organized by SBPAC, and talked to the representatives of local traders and producers. He admired the creative ideas of southern people, saying that the Government aims to create more value for Thai products through soft power. He said that the deep South of Thailand has a distinctive culture and great potential for developing the local economy.

Recognized as a land of cultural variety, the deep South comprises five provinces, namely Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun, and Songkhla.