September 1, 2026, Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek disclosed that the cabinet, in its meeting today, acknowledged outcome of a workshop, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, which was held to discuss various matters regarding the 5 Southern border provinces, namely, Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, and assigned relevant agencies to take into consideration resolutions and proposals raised in the workshop for further implementation and budget allocation. This is as proposed by Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

Projects and proposals deliberated at the workshop are: 1) 44 urgent projects (for immediate implementation), with a budget of 1,269.02 million Baht; and 2) 59 policy projects proposed by the region which require Government support, worth 62,336.44 million Baht.

The cabinet also approved in principle the Quick Wins, together with proposals for long‑term action in 4 key areas:

Economic: For example, adjusting conditions for soft loans, streamlining immigration and customs procedures and developing online systems, and establishing a One‑Stop Service for business operations

Social: For example, designing Hat Yai Hospital II, and finalizing a Thai–Malaysian labor Memorandum of Understanding

Security: For example, upgrading Village Security Volunteers into a safety network and installing more CCTVs

Disaster Management: For example, enhancing drainage system capacity, establishing a disaster shelter in Pattani, and expediting restoration of damaged roads

According to the Government Spokesperson, the cabinet assigned relevant agencies to expedite measures to resolve problems in the 5 Southern provinces and deliver tangible results without delay.

The cabinet also approved budget allocation from the central budget for emergency and contingency, for a total of 67 million Baht, to implement the following projects:

· Drainage efficiency enhancement project (Hat Yai Municipality) - Budget: 25.90 million Baht

· Disaster prevention and mitigation capacity enhancement project (Khuan Lang Municipality) - Budget: 21.10 million Baht

· Construction of a temporary shelter center for disaster victims in Pattani province - Budget: 20 million Baht

The cabinet also instructed relevant agencies to urgently consider budget allocations for the followings:

Ministry of Transport: Dredging navigation channels of Songkhla and Pattani ports to a depth of approximately 9–10 meters to accommodate large cargo vessels and improve water drainage in the area.

Ministry of Public Health: Accelerating design and construction of Hat Yai Hospital II, with a budget of 250 million Baht, by revising operational and expenditure plans. A request for central budget allocation may be submitted if the existing budget is insufficient.

Department of Highways: Implementing 45 projects under the highway rehabilitation plan, with a budget framework of 835.8 million Baht, to repair roads and infrastructure damaged by disasters since 2025. Ministry of Transport is tasked with deliberating project readiness and suitability before including these projects into the annual operational plan of relevant agencies, and requesting budget allocations.