During 31 March - 2 April 2024, H.E. Mr. Sorut Sukthaworn, Ambassador attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information, visited southern border provinces (SBPs) of Thailand to exchange views with government agencies and academic institutes and youths on the current situation, as well as how to amplify SBPs potential in education, economy, culture, and tourism internationally.

Ambassador Sorut called on Maj. Gen. Pramote Prom-in, Deputy Commander of Army Area 4 and Deputy Director of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC)’s Area 4 Forward Command, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Secretary-General of Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC), and Pol. Maj. Gen. Piyawat Chalermsri, Provincial Police Region 9 Commissioner. The delegation learned the current situations from the security agencies and exchanged views on how to forge a better understanding among international friends and partners.

During the 3-day visit, Ambassador Sorut discussed with various stakeholders to understand the potential and the needs of the area. He met Deans and Faculties of Princess of Naradhiwas University, Fatoni University, Yala Rajabhat University, and Prince of Songkla University to exchange on how international relations can boost education. He was inspired by various youth empowerment programs by the Mayor of Yala City Municipality, the Association of Children and Youth for the Peace in the Southernmost Provinces of Thailand, the Fasai Association, and the Assalam Graduate & Student Association. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit Krue Se Mosque in Pattani, and the Islamic Cultural Heritage Museum and Al-Quran Learning Centre in Narathiwat, which will soon move to the new building.

The visit was a great opportunity to strengthen the Ministry’s collaboration with the academic institutes, local administrations, and civil society in the SBPs. The delegation took back many ideas to further advocate for development of the SBPs in addition to its continued efforts in supporting youths through tailor-made training programs as well as upskilling workshops for Thai students abroad in Muslim countries. The Ministry hopes that the youths’ participating in these activities will become a key driving force that will help develop the economy and the society of their hometown, and contribute to returning a lasting peace to the southern border provinces.