Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has recently addressed the pressing issue of enhancing law enforcement across various levels of governance to maintain social order. His directives encompass everything from entertainment venues to drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms, gambling, and organized crime. During his statements on March 1, 2025, Anutin emphasized the importance of these actions as normal procedures, responding to the need for heightened vigilance and accountability throughout the nation.
While discussing the mechanisms of law enforcement, Anutin stated, "It is standard practice to motivate and follow up on progress made by regional governors, who are tasked with overseeing local administration and law enforcement as one of the Ministry of Interior's key responsibilities." He aims to implement monthly KPI (Key Performance Indicator) reports to monitor progress and maintain focus on law enforcement activities.
Addressing the recent concerns raised by several countries warning their citizens about travel to Thailand due to the government's decision to repatriate Uyghur individuals to China, Anutin acknowledged the potential impact on tourism. Yet, he clarified, "This matter falls under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, and it is not my role to provide recommendations or opinions on foreign policy." This suggests the government is prioritizing domestic order and the law over external perceptions affecting tourism.
Concerns over the welfare of tourists have also come under scrutiny, especially following organized media reports about the situation surrounding Israeli tourists visiting Pai. Anutin expressed his frustration with sensationalist media coverage, stating, "It was disappointing to waste the time and resources to investigate unfounded reports. Upon arrival, I found nothing unusual; our residents are content, and I assure you, we are maintaining order for visitors who come to enjoy Pai's cultural tourism." He reiterated the importance of ensuring tourists feel safe and welcomed without facing exploitation from local operators.
Recalling government strategies, Anutin told reporters, "We must uphold law and order everywhere, especially as we strive to reposition Thailand as a prime destination for tourists. Failure to do so could jeopardize the economic recovery efforts following past constraints due to the pandemic and unrest."
The deputy minister also touched upon the matter of illegal gambling activities, expressing concern over laws currently being reviewed and executed to tackle drug-related offenses. He confirmed, "It's evident we need to take immediate action against these issues, luckily we have managed to mobilize regional authorities who will report frequently to help analyze the broader impact of these illegal activities on our communities.">
Overall, Thailand’s government appears committed to firmly addressing laws and regulations surrounding tourism and social safety. Anutin conveyed confidence, stating, "For our tourists returning to Thailand, it is now more important than ever for us to demonstrate hospitality, ensuring they enjoy the peaceful and culturally rich experiences we are known for. We will not engage anyone disrespecting our guests or tarnishing our image."