BANGKOK – Incoming Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Territorial Defence Volunteers (DV) in the South. This policy was delivered during his statement to Parliament on April 9, 2026.
According to Stratosphere Publication on May 1, 2026, the strategy involves transferring combat responsibilities from regular soldiers to lightly armed local civilians. This move aims to cut military spending in the restive region, where a two-decade insurgency has claimed over 7,700 lives.
The Shift and BRN’s Reaction The plan to put civilian volunteers under the Ministry of Interior (MOI) on the front lines gained traction two years ago. Previously, the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN) left DVs alone, viewing their basic security duties as non-threatening. However, the new strategy has turned DVs into primary targets.
BRN has issued public warnings via posters and flyers, calling for DVs to quit their jobs. To back these demands, the group has carried out several vicious attacks against MOI installations manned by DV personnel over the past two years.
Reversing Trends in 2026 The downward trend in violence observed since 2007 appears to be reversing in 2026. In the first two months of the year alone, 30 bombings and shootings occurred, resulting in 22 casualties. This includes arson attacks on 11 petrol stations in January and a surge of activity during the Ramadhan period.
Military tension also escalated following the death of Paramilitary Ranger Darun Daroheng on March 24, 2026, whom the army labeled a “shahid” (martyr). Despite the high operational risks for these untrained civilians, the Thai government remains steadfast in its strategy, though its ultimate effectiveness remains to be seen.
source: stratsea.com
