DURING Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s visit to Pattani province today (April 17) 4th Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Norathip Poinok issued an apology after a complaint was submitted over his comments that Islamic boarding schools (pondok schools) are breeding grounds for terrorists and are subject to IO (information operation) attacks, Amarin TV said.
At a press briefing within the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Base, Sirinthon Camp in Yarang district, Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen said Anutin was uneasy about social criticism on various issue and therefore came to the Far South with senior officials from some ministries to tackle this issue.
Aside from his criticism of Islamic boarding schools, Lt. Gen. Norathip also apologized for switching off his microphone while speaking about the attempted assassination of Mr. Kamolsak Leewamae, MP for Narathiwat from Prachachart Party, saying, “If it were me, I wouldn’t let him survive. If I did it.”
Lt. Gen. Adul said as the comments were made while the microphone was switched off this is a personal matter and should not be brought up again.
“It’s in the past. He has apologised, and it’s something that can be forgiven because we are all Thai people. I encourage the 4th Army Region Commander in his work for the people,” he said.
Separately Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, deputy national police chief, said four suspects had been arrested in the assignation attempt against Kamolsak last month in which his driver and a policeman were injured, and they include the gunman, the driver and the person who dismantled the stolen vehicle.
Police are still chasing the fifth suspect in this case.
CAPTIONS:
Top – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul receiving a complaint against 4th Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Norathip Poinok in Pattani today, April 17,2026. Photo – Amarin TV
Insert and Front Page – Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen and 4th Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Norathip Poinok addressing a press conference. Photos – Naewna
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