Bangkok:The Prime Minister has directed all provinces to hasten preparations for the royal cremation ceremony, stressing the need for the event to be conducted in a manner that is orderly, efficient, and dignified to honor His Majesty.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister also reiterated the government's commitment to addressing drug-related issues, following the submission of two amended bills that increase penalties for possession to match those of distribution, emphasizing a strict no-compromise stance. Furthermore, he instructed provincial governors and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to formulate contingency plans to combat PM2.5 pollution levels and enhance educational efforts for farmers to tackle pollution caused by agricultural burning.
In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the focus was placed on the Ministry of Interior's key missions, including preparations for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, set for December. He instructed provincial governors to ensure the ceremony is conducted with respect and dignity, highlighting the urgency of the task. Preparations for the subsequent royal cremation ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, anticipated before the first half of 2027, are also underway. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior was tasked with monitoring the implementation progress to mitigate potential issues.
The Prime Minister also addressed narcotics policy, emphasizing the importance of intercepting drug trafficking at its source. He highlighted draft amendments to the Narcotics Code aimed at increasing penalties by equating possession with dealing. He commended the efforts of provincial governors and agencies in intercepting major drug operations, urging continued cooperation with law enforcement to dismantle drug networks.
Addressing air pollution, the Prime Minister noted the decrease in rainfall leading to increased PM2.5 levels and agricultural burning. He called for strict enforcement of pollution laws and urged educational initiatives for farmers on controlled burning practices. The Director-General of the DDPM was instructed to work with provincial governors to develop standardized contingency plans, ensuring comprehensive measures to prevent pollution.