Bangkok:Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong has urged the Thai government to activate the National Security Council's plan for dealing with security crises and war threats, emphasizing that reliance solely on the central government is insufficient.
According to Thai News Agency, Tawee, an MP and leader of the Prachachart Party, along with other party members, expressed concerns about the security situation in the southern border provinces. The focus is on preparing for potential emergencies amidst international warnings about war and unrest.
Tawee highlighted the existence of a security framework in Thailand, particularly the NSC plan developed during his tenure as Minister of Justice. He stressed the need for the government to implement this plan and prepare the public through concrete measures, akin to emergency response drills practiced during the first 72 hours of a crisis.
He explained that the concept of "war threat" extends beyond armed conflict to include natural disasters, cyber threats, and critical events like power outages. The emphasis is on proactive risk management rather than inducing panic.
Tawee noted that the southern border provinces frequently encounter unforeseen disasters, revealing gaps in food supply and basic necessities when central government assistance is delayed. He advocated for building local capacity for self-reliance during the initial 72-hour period of a crisis.
He concluded by stating that local authorities need to be ready and should communicate effectively with the public regarding crisis management at the household level. The government should ensure the NSC's plans are practically implemented locally to avoid confusion and inefficiency.