Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has clarified that its mission in the southern border provinces operates independently of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPC) and that budget allocations remain transparent. This comes amid concerns and public discourse regarding the operations and budget management of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Thai Army addressed these concerns following statements from Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, leader of the Prachachart Party. Major General Winthai Suvari, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, stated that the information provided by Tawee was incomplete, potentially leading to misunderstandings among the public. He emphasized that the presentation of information was one-sided.
The Royal Thai Army is the leading agency providing personnel support to the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command. This command is tasked with resolving issues in the Southern Border Provinces. The Army clarified that the 2027 annual budget for ISOC is 5,737,390,300 baht, with only 44,337,800 baht allocated for salaries. A significant portion, 5,314,268,700 baht, is used for other expenditure categories, ensuring that personnel from various government agencies receive operational and special allowances.
Furthermore, the Budget Bureau has outlined that allowance expenses should be categorized under "other expenses," adhering to transparent procedures. This framework is not an attempt to obscure funds, as has been suggested by some narratives.
The Army also addressed the budget dedicated to suppressing the southern insurgency, totaling 4,305,465,600 baht. Of this, 2,341,009,900 baht is allocated for personnel allowances, in line with accounting regulations. The Budget Bureau has mandated that these expenditures be listed as "other expenditures," ensuring transparency and adherence to guidelines.
The budget for ISOC has been consistent over the years, with approximately 75% allocated to addressing Southern Border Provinces issues. Of this, nearly 70% is dedicated to allowances and compensation for approximately 49,000 personnel, including military, police, administrative, and other government officials.
The Army further clarified that there is no overlap in responsibilities between ISOC and SBPC. While ISOC focuses on resolving security issues, SBPC is tasked with development initiatives. The distinct roles of these entities ensure that their operations complement rather than conflict with each other.