Bangkok: The Prime Minister has reiterated the importance of combating drug trafficking as a national agenda while focusing on dismantling the Phuket mafia. He has ordered relevant agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks across the country. In a move to combat influential figures within the crime scene, the Prime Minister is preparing to appoint a dedicated committee.
According to Thai News Agency, the government's Special Representative Committee for addressing issues in the southern border provinces convened its inaugural meeting. The session was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, who joined via video conference from Japan. The meeting also included the presence of Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, advisor to the committee, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence, and other security agency representatives. Initial orders and measures to tackle the surge in incidents in the southern border provinces are expected to be issued following this meeting.
After a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul was seen heading towards Khu Fah Building, where he was engaged in discussions with Deputy Minister of Interior Polpeerapong Suwannachavi, Deputy Minister of Transport Siriphong Angkasakulkiat, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Arsit Sampanrat. Reports suggest the Prime Minister expressed concern over the unresolved issues concerning the Phuket mafia, following recent briefings indicating persistent challenges.
General Peer, in response, mentioned that the Prime Minister had tasked him with addressing the ongoing and unresolved matters, which would require coordination with the relevant local agencies.
Reports also indicate that the Prime Minister is gearing up to establish a steering committee focused on the prevention and suppression of influential figures, with the Prime Minister himself poised to serve as chairman.
Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that during the Cabinet meeting, Mr. Anutin commended the successful operation against a transnational drug trafficking network at a chemical warehouse in Samut Prakan province. He underscored that drug suppression is a national agenda, instructing four agencies-the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Defense-to continue their efforts in expanding the investigation to uncover masterminds, supporters, trafficking networks, production sources, and funding behind this operation.