ISOC has not placed a ban on Anutin.
Informal Take: The Thai military has denied claims that Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is on a secret blacklist for exploiting the monarchy for political gain, labeling the allegations as misleading. The Army spokesman affirmed that Anutin's name was included in an internal intelligence report, but not in a negative light – rather, it highlighted his support for the monarchy.
The controversy emerged after a parliamentary meeting revealed an ISOC document categorizing individuals allegedly benefiting from royal references. High-profile figures like Anutin, Thaksin Shinawatra, and Capt Thammanat Prompao were named, alongside groups accused of opposing the monarchy.
The Army admitted that ISOC's intelligence division created the document to monitor influencers and journalists, but stressed that it was leaked and misinterpreted, leading to confusion. Anutin, who is also an ISOC deputy director, denies using the monarchy for political gain and plans to examine the document.
The whole fiasco has sparked broader scrutiny of ISOC's internal intelligence practices. Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome raised concerns about politically charged information circulating among agencies without oversight, and accused ISOC of deliberate attempts at political defamation.
Recent incidents, including ISOC's rejection of a Xinjiang-style governance proposal and revelations of state-sponsored phishing attacks and smear campaigns, underscore systemic concerns about ISOC's involvement in politically motivated targeting. Critics argue these practices enable partisan agendas under the guise of security.
- Anutin Charnvirakul, despite allegedly being named in an ISOC document, denies using the monarchy for political gain and intends to scrutinize the document.
- The controversy surrounding Anutin Charnvirakul's name on the ISOC blacklist has led to broader scrutiny of its policy-and-legislation practices, with concerns about baseless political defamation being raised.
- Informal Take: Politics in Thailand have been thrust into the general-news spotlight, with the Monarchy playing a key role, as claims of exploitation for political gain swirl around high-profile figures like Anutin Charnvirakul.
- The Thai Army has admitted to creating an ISOC document to monitor influencers and journalists, but they emphasize that it being leaked and misinterpreted has caused confusion regarding Anutin Charnvirakul's alleged blacklisting.
