Anutin confirms Chaiyapruek as choice for next NSC chief

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed on Friday (August 28) that the National Security Council had endorsed Gen Chaiyapruek Duangprapat, chief of staff of the Royal Thai Army, as its next secretary-general.

Anutin chaired the sixth NSC meeting of 2026 at Government House, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen and representatives of relevant government agencies.

Following the meeting, Anutin told reporters that the council had approved the name of the new secretary-general.

Asked whether the nominee was Chaiyapruek, Anutin replied: “Yes. He is suitable.”

When asked whether the decision reflected the principle of appointing the right person to the right job, the prime minister said: “Correct. That is always the most important principle.”

Regarding the situation in Thailand’s three southern border provinces, Anutin said the meeting had been presented with a strategy for managing current security conditions.

He expressed confidence that the situation should move in a more positive direction following changes to the government’s operational approach to security and administration in the southern border region.