The country's southern border security is being strengthened ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit next month.
Maj Gen Woradej Dejraksa, chief of the Thepsatree Task Force, visited the 36/100 joint operation base in Songkhla's Saba Yoi district and instructed troops to step up surveillance along the border ahead of the gathering of world leaders.
The joint base is a collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia in tackling security issues along the common border, especially drug trafficking and illegal crossings.
Army commander Narongpan Jitkaewtae and Fourth Army chief Santi Sakuntanak have reportedly ordered troops in the region to closely monitor the activities of militants to prevent unrest and incidents from disrupting the meeting.
Gen Narongpan said the army has been on high alert to maintain control of the border regardless of the Apec meeting, when asked about the possible activities of militant groups in the restive region.
However, he said special security arrangements have been made to ensure safety and confidence ahead of and during the Apec summit. Troops have been ordered to beef up security at natural crossings and coordinate closely with the neighbouring country in intelligence gathering.
Early this week, Gen Chalermpol Srisawasdi, chief of the defence forces, chaired a meeting of armed forces leaders and the national police chief to discuss security measures for the Apec summit.
He said the armed forces and Royal Thai Police would ensure maximum security for foreign leaders and attendees and there were no reports of any suspicious activities so far.