Politics
Government Ministers Visit Southern Border Provinces Amid Criticism
Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Leangprasert has refuted claims that the government avoids the southern border provinces, citing a recent late-night visit to Yala and Pattani.
On September 4, 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Leangprasert responded to public criticism from People's Party MP Rakchanok Srinok regarding the government's choice of locations for mobile cabinet meetings. Rakchanok had questioned why the administration had not visited the three southern border provinces.
According to Khaosod Online, Worasit stated that the government’s work should be evaluated based on actual field operations rather than just the locations of formal meetings. He provided evidence of a visit on August 30, 2026, at 10:00 PM, where he was accompanied by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachon Chidchob and Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth. The group traveled to Pattani and Yala provinces to visit and provide supplies to Territorial Defense Volunteers (Or Sor) stationed on the front lines. Worasit emphasized that the visit was conducted without formal welcoming ceremonies to ensure direct engagement with personnel.
For residents and travelers, this development highlights the government's ongoing efforts to maintain a presence in the southern region. While the ministers have demonstrated their activity in the area, the broader political debate regarding the effectiveness of mobile cabinet meetings and regional policy continues. It remains to be confirmed how these specific field visits will influence future government policy or the scheduling of official cabinet meetings in the southern provinces.