Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the National Security Council (NSC) had approved Gen Chaipruak Doungprapat as its new secretary-general, describing him as the right person for the job.

Mr Anutin on Friday chaired an NSC meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat and senior security officials.

Asked whether appointing a military officer to oversee the NSC was appropriate, Mr Anutin said it was.

The meeting also discussed security in the southern border provinces, with officials presenting strategies to manage the situation following administrative adjustments in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Mr Anutin expressed confidence that security operations would improve.

Chaipruak: Seen as close to Anutin

Gen Chaipruak, 58, is known by the nicknames "Pu" and "Pu Duang". He graduated from Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, Class 26, and Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Class 37.

He currently serves as secretary-general of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), which is directly overseen by the prime minister.

He is a classmate of army chief Gen Pana Claewplodtook and Lt Gen Adul.

Gen Chaipruak began his military career with the 9th Infantry Division at Surasee Camp in Kanchanaburi. He later served in the Army Operations Department, rising to become its director-general before being appointed deputy chief of army staff and then chief of army staff. He concurrently became Isoc secretary-general in 2025.

He is regarded as a close associate of Mr Anutin and has frequently accompanied the prime minister on official duties.

Gen Chaipruak gained wider public attention during border tensions in late 2025, when he visited soldiers injured in border incidents at Sunpasitthiprasong Camp Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani and affirmed Thailand's readiness to protect its sovereignty.

More recently, he visited the scenes of deadly attacks in Narathiwat and pledged tougher action against those responsible.