Media urged to discard unwarranted assertions from Isoc, as per Anutin's statement.
In a confrontational exchange this Tuesday, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took a stand against media outlets he deemed as spreading "baseless" claims of his blacklisting by the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc).
Mr. Anutin, also serving as a deputy prime minister and the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, insisted the allegations of using the monarchy for political gain as "false," with the army and Isoc previously asserting the claims to be untrue. He expressed hope that the matter had been resolved and urged the media to abandon the topic.
When questioned about the support of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha amid the allegations, Mr. Anutin remained evasive. He also playfully dismissed a reporter’s question regarding the future of Isoc, a proposition suggested by critics due to the agency's significant criticism for its sizable budget and ambiguous responsibilities. As deputy director of the agency, Mr. Anutin finds himself in the thick of the controversy.
The agency has long faced scrutiny due to its immense budget and unclear responsibilities that overlap with other agencies. In 2023, the now-dissolved Move Forward Party put forth a proposition aimed at abolishing Isoc.
The latest controversy broke out following a parliamentary security commission meeting on Thursday, where the existence of an Isoc document categorizing individuals using royal references was disclosed. Prominent figures on this list included Mr. Anutin, along with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Phayao MP Thamanat Prompow (adviser to the Kla Tham Party), and groups accused of opposing the monarchy, such as the Facebook page of the People's Party.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree confirmed the document's authenticity yet emphasized that the leak and circulation without proper context had led to unnecessary speculation regarding the individuals mentioned and Isoc itself. The minister's name appeared in an internal intelligence report in a supportive light for the monarchy, contrary to the initial accusations.
The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) wields immense influence in Thailand's security operations, particularly in managing internal security issues. Recent controversies surrounding Isoc include the high-profile lese-majeste case of an American academic, the comparison of Thailand's southern provinces to Xinjiang’s situation with Uyghurs, and ongoing security concerns in the southern provinces where Isoc plays a significant role. Isoc often engages in managing and coordinating security responses, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting national institutions, including taking legal action against individuals deemed to offend royalty. The agency remains a crucial player in Thailand's internal security landscape.
- Despite the baseless claims of Anutin Charnvirakul's blacklisting by Isoc, the Interior Minister, who is also a deputy prime minister and the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, insists these allegations are false.
- The persisting policy-and-legislation debate regarding the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has brought up the proposition to abolish the agency in 2023, as previously put forth by the Move Forward Party.
- In a recent controversial parliamentary meeting, an Isoc document was disclosed, categorizing individuals using royal references, with prominent figureheads like Anutin and Phayao MP Thamanat Prompow (adviser to the Kla Tham Party) included on the list.
- The ongoing politics and general news surrounding Isoc include the high-profile lese-majeste case of an American academic, comparisons of Thailand's southern provinces to Xinjiang’s situation with Uyghurs, ongoing security concerns in the southern provinces, and the agency's continued focus on protecting national institutions, including taking legal action against individuals deemed to offend royalty.
