The use of weapons to harm fellow citizens is unacceptable and must not be allowed to occur, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday.
He was referring to the attempted assassination of a Prachachart Party MP for Narathiwat, Kamonsak Leewamoh, near his residence on March 20. Kamonsak survived the attack, but his driver and a close aide were seriously injured.
Anutin said Thailand continues to face violence from insurgent groups in the southernmost provinces, but stressed that the use of weapons against fellow citizens must not be tolerated.
He is scheduled to visit the region on Thursday and said the trip is aimed at restoring public confidence. He added that he has instructed the police and the Internal Security Operations Command to accelerate investigations and swiftly bring perpetrators to justice.
Police said a vehicle used in the attack had a government licence plate, and that a naval officer, Captain Montri, who authorised its use, will face both disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
“I have set conditions and directives for security and police agencies. If the situation does not improve, there will be transfers and changes. This is no longer a four-month government; it is a four-year government that must deliver results and respond to policy,” he said.
Asked whether the visit is intended to show support for Kamonsak, Anutin said he regularly offers encouragement and sympathy, but stressed that the trip is not focused on any individual.
“I am not going to visit any one person, but to assess the overall situation, as there are many issues to address,” he said.
Anutin also warned officials against underperformance.
“If anyone is not fully engaged — shifting into second gear instead of fifth — I will take action,” he said, adding that the prime minister has the authority, no position is untouchable, and transfers can and will be made.
