It is necessary for the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) as well as other agencies to integrate their work in order to tackle problems in the restive South, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said Sunday.
Ms Yingluck made the comment after a meeting with government officials from all units and community and religious leaders at the forward headquarters of the Region 4 Internal Security Operations Command at Sirindhorn camp in Pattani's Yarang district.
The prime minister said she listened to a situation briefing, exchanged opinions with those attending the meeting, and took the opportunity to stress the need for all to comply with His Majesty the King's advice to adhere to the principle of sufficiency economy and take care of the people through peaceful approaches.
Concerning security, there are as many as 66 government units under 17 ministries operating in the region. Therefore, it is necessary for all of them to integrate their work in line with the set strategies so that they can go in the same direction.
Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa is responsible for ensuring integration of work and the Isoc and SBPAC will be the mail pillars for security operations, Ms Yingluck said.
Regarding the economy, Ms Yingluck said Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong had met and talked to business operators in the region.
Mr Kittiratt will compile a list of problems in order to find solutions to them to further promote the quality of life and create confidence in the business sector.
Other ministers concerned will visit the region more frequently to address problems, the prime minister said.