The National Security Council (NSC) has appointed Gen Somsak Rungsita, a former NSC secretary-general, as the new head of Thailand’s Peace Dialogue Panel for the southern border provinces.
The announcement was made on Thursday by current NSC Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad, following the council’s latest meeting.
He said the members also approved a draft policy framework for the administration and the development of the southern border provinces for 2025-2027, in line with statutory requirements.
The new policy emphasises inclusive participation from all sectors in the region and integrates both security and development strategies.
To ensure transparency and international recognition, it will be translated into five languages and distributed globally.
Mr Chatchai stressed that this demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in the South through dialogue and sustainable development.
On the issue of leadership change, Mr Chatchai, himself a former head of the Peace Dialogue Panel, highlighted Gen Somsak’s extensive background in security affairs.
In his new role, Gen Somsak will be tasked with forming a team and establishing mechanisms to advance peace negotiations, with the goal of fostering trust and long-term stability in the region.
Previously, Mr Chatchai was appointed to lead the Peace Dialogue Panel during the administration of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. However, his tenure ended when the Constitutional Court ordered Mr Srettha’s resignation in August last year, resulting in the government’s dissolution.
During the subsequent administration led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which lasted for about one year, no successor was appointed to the post. This left the position vacant despite repeated calls from stakeholders and local communities for stronger engagement in resolving the ongoing southern border conflict.