Bangkok: The Prime Minister has directed the Army Chief of Staff to clarify the purpose and operations of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), emphasizing its role as the central body for addressing security issues comprehensively. The Prime Minister acknowledged MP Wannor's right to inquire about such matters, while also revealing that he faced reprimands from Anutin Charnvirakul and the Army Commander-in-Chief due to recent attacks on civilians. He insisted that there is no information operations (IO) involved and that efforts are underway to restore the army's image.
According to Thai News Agency, General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army and Secretary-General of ISOC, clarified that ISOC's responsibilities are not limited to the southern border provinces but encompass national security as a whole. The agency integrates various specialized bodies to collaboratively address security problems and assists the public in issues affecting national security, such as large-scale narcotics influxes.
ISOC acts as a central hub for integrating various agencies with specialized expertise, working not only on security matters but also on public assistance in national security issues. For instance, the Narcotics Suppression and Interdiction Command is tasked with dealing with drugs, precursors, and chemicals.
General Chaiyapruk confirmed ISOC's commitment to working at full capacity across all dimensions and welcomed input and suggestions from MP Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, who holds an advisory role to the Prime Minister and serves on the Budget Committee. As a government agency, ISOC is prepared to respond to concerns and suggestions raised by MPs, addressing areas for improvement in line with public demands.
General Chaiyapruk acknowledged the necessity of ISOC but suggested that its functions could be carried out by another unit if ISOC were dissolved. He addressed concerns regarding ISOC's budget, expressing readiness to explain its utilization and undergo audits to assess agency capabilities.
The Prime Minister, as Director of ISOC, and Air Chief Marshal Phana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Deputy Director of ISOC, had reprimanded General Chaiyapruk and Lieutenant General Norathip Poynok for recent incidents involving civilian casualties. General Chaiyapruk highlighted the need for public cooperation to address these issues, acknowledging the losses experienced over the past 22 years and expressing awareness of the criticisms.
Addressing concerns about an assassination attempt on MP Kamolsak Leewamae, allegedly involving ISOC personnel, General Chaiyapruk confirmed that the perpetrators have left the service but acknowledged that the vehicle used belonged to ISOC. He emphasized the importance of addressing such issues and stressed that wrongdoing within the organization must be punished severely, with the justice system determining the outcomes.
When questioned about building a trustworthy image for ISOC, General Chaiyapruk stated that efficiency, dedication, and visible results are key to gaining public trust.