Close And Friendly With The New Isoc

[Gravelrash]

One of the most controversial legacies from the 2006 coup and the military appointed Surayud Government was the Internal Security Act (ISA), giving legal status and more money for the military to play a key role in inter-nal-security related matters.

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is currently requesting manpower and a budget, and it recently invit-ed representatives from the media to meet its members to drum up support for the organisa-tion.

I was dispatched by The Nation and the conversations with the generals were wide-ranging. One described how Isoc had been stripped, at the last minute, of the power to legally tap phones after fierce opposition from some human rights activists and media.

"If it were me [making the decision] I would allow phone tap-ping power. You must infringe on an individual's liberty to ensure the nation survives," said Lt General Peeraphong Manakit, who is also an Army radio host.

Discussion turned to the Rohingya illegal boat people, recently subjected to alleged mis-treatment by the Thai military. Some 500 are feared dead after security forces reportedly pushed them back to sea with little food and water.

One female Isoc officer told this writer: "Thais are not decisive... We must first assume that they are terrorists, if not [people] who will exploit Thailand. We were kind and gave them food and water and most likely didn't kill them."

She then went on to say that Thais should remember: "We have the richest natural resources in the world and that foreign states do not want us to develop."

Asked about a recently leaked video of what appeared to be army officers torturing a Thai-Malay Muslim separatist suspect, a senior Isoc officer replied: "It may be an old incident... I don't really know."

Such paranoia and negative thinking prevails as more taxpay-ers' money will likely go into fund-ing the secretive organisation. Although technically led by the prime minister, it's more like the number two, or the Army Chief who will be in charge of Isoc.

The media invited on that day were largely sympathetic if not supportive of Isoc. Many writers provided its members with tips, such as telling Isoc to react and counter CNN's "allegation" about abuses of the Rohingya boat people.

Well aware of such bad press, Lt General Manote Premwongsiri, a senior figure at Isoc who hosted the event, asked the media: "How can we ensure that news will be spread in a way that depicts Thailand in another light, say, Thais [are people who] always love one another?"

Manote urged the media "to help explain" to the public what security is all about.

The general must have forgot-ten there are currently different notions of security which are fiercely debated. One is the newer notion of human security versus older national security. While those in the latter camp sees the military as the main guardian of national security, the former group, comprised of human rights defenders, and some in acade-mia, stress the promotion and protection of individual rights and security from violence, hunger and need.

Clashes between the two world-views broke out most recently when the Working Group on Justice for Peace, a local NGO working on rights issues in the three southern-most provinces, issued a statement on Monday criticising Isoc's southern regional office for "distorting facts" and for alleging that some separatists disguised themselves as human rights defenders in the deep South.

The group urged Isoc to recog-nise that defending human rights work entails criticism of a govern-ment's policy and actions, and those of all other influential groups.

Perhaps it would be good for the Thai media to bear in mind that it ought not be a cheer leader for Isoc and that it has the duty to scrutinise Isoc, make it more transparent, and if need be, oppose and criticise it.

The Nation

[SmugFarangBore]

A shadowy organisation within the military to be sure.

Of course political observers and those with interests in Thailand will be familiar with the infamous ISOC bombing campaigns against hill tribe villagers in the 70's.

Then there's the plot to assassinate the former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, conducted by the ISOC.

What is most worrying though, despite the frightening, criminal history behind this organisation is they are answerable to almost no-one.

We have the junta that took power in 2006 after the coup to thank for restoring this organisation back to full operational status. Indeed, the junta handed out millions in cash rewards to ISOC staff when they came to power.

Edited February 12, 2009 by SmugFarangBore

[blaze]

Surprisingly good article- also helps to illuminate the role of the compliant Thai media in licking the right boots- but also it is the closest thing to real journalism concerning the military that I've seen in a long time- could this mark the beginning of serious investigation- not merely passing on rumor or acting as a propaganda organ for favored causes? THis article took guts and I commend the writers.

If this were in the General News forum it would get more exposure.

Thanks for posting.

[Maizefarmer]

One of the most controversial legacies from the 2006 coup and the military appointed Surayud Government was the Internal Security Act (ISA), giving legal status and more money for the military to play a key role in inter-nal-security related matters.

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is currently requesting manpower and a budget, and it recently invit-ed representatives from the media to meet its members to drum up support for the organisa-tion.

I was dispatched by The Nation and the conversations with the generals were wide-ranging. One described how Isoc had been stripped, at the last minute, of the power to legally tap phones after fierce opposition from some human rights activists and media.

"If it were me [making the decision] I would allow phone tap-ping power. You must infringe on an individual's liberty to ensure the nation survives," said Lt General Peeraphong Manakit, who is also an Army radio host.

Discussion turned to the Rohingya illegal boat people, recently subjected to alleged mis-treatment by the Thai military. Some 500 are feared dead after security forces reportedly pushed them back to sea with little food and water.

One female Isoc officer told this writer: "Thais are not decisive... We must first assume that they are terrorists, if not [people] who will exploit Thailand. We were kind and gave them food and water and most likely didn't kill them."

She then went on to say that Thais should remember: "We have the richest natural resources in the world and that foreign states do not want us to develop."

Asked about a recently leaked video of what appeared to be army officers torturing a Thai-Malay Muslim separatist suspect, a senior Isoc officer replied: "It may be an old incident... I don't really know."

Such paranoia and negative thinking prevails as more taxpay-ers' money will likely go into fund-ing the secretive organisation. Although technically led by the prime minister, it's more like the number two, or the Army Chief who will be in charge of Isoc.

The media invited on that day were largely sympathetic if not supportive of Isoc. Many writers provided its members with tips, such as telling Isoc to react and counter CNN's "allegation" about abuses of the Rohingya boat people.

Well aware of such bad press, Lt General Manote Premwongsiri, a senior figure at Isoc who hosted the event, asked the media: "How can we ensure that news will be spread in a way that depicts Thailand in another light, say, Thais [are people who] always love one another?"

Manote urged the media "to help explain" to the public what security is all about.

The general must have forgot-ten there are currently different notions of security which are fiercely debated. One is the newer notion of human security versus older national security. While those in the latter camp sees the military as the main guardian of national security, the former group, comprised of human rights defenders, and some in acade-mia, stress the promotion and protection of individual rights and security from violence, hunger and need.

Clashes between the two world-views broke out most recently when the Working Group on Justice for Peace, a local NGO working on rights issues in the three southern-most provinces, issued a statement on Monday criticising Isoc's southern regional office for "distorting facts" and for alleging that some separatists disguised themselves as human rights defenders in the deep South.

The group urged Isoc to recog-nise that defending human rights work entails criticism of a govern-ment's policy and actions, and those of all other influential groups.

Perhaps it would be good for the Thai media to bear in mind that it ought not be a cheer leader for Isoc and that it has the duty to scrutinise Isoc, make it more transparent, and if need be, oppose and criticise it.

The Nation

... they may have been stripped of their power to do wiretapping"

Anyone know which department now has the responsibility for carrying on with what was on of Thaksins greatest abuses?

[blaze]

One of the most controversial legacies from the 2006 coup and the military appointed Surayud Government was the Internal Security Act (ISA), giving legal status and more money for the military to play a key role in inter-nal-security related matters.

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is currently requesting manpower and a budget, and it recently invit-ed representatives from the media to meet its members to drum up support for the organisa-tion.

I was dispatched by The Nation and the conversations with the generals were wide-ranging. One described how Isoc had been stripped, at the last minute, of the power to legally tap phones after fierce opposition from some human rights activists and media.

"If it were me [making the decision] I would allow phone tap-ping power. You must infringe on an individual's liberty to ensure the nation survives," said Lt General Peeraphong Manakit, who is also an Army radio host.

Discussion turned to the Rohingya illegal boat people, recently subjected to alleged mis-treatment by the Thai military. Some 500 are feared dead after security forces reportedly pushed them back to sea with little food and water.

One female Isoc officer told this writer: "Thais are not decisive... We must first assume that they are terrorists, if not [people] who will exploit Thailand. We were kind and gave them food and water and most likely didn't kill them."

She then went on to say that Thais should remember: "We have the richest natural resources in the world and that foreign states do not want us to develop."

Asked about a recently leaked video of what appeared to be army officers torturing a Thai-Malay Muslim separatist suspect, a senior Isoc officer replied: "It may be an old incident... I don't really know."

Such paranoia and negative thinking prevails as more taxpay-ers' money will likely go into fund-ing the secretive organisation. Although technically led by the prime minister, it's more like the number two, or the Army Chief who will be in charge of Isoc.

The media invited on that day were largely sympathetic if not supportive of Isoc. Many writers provided its members with tips, such as telling Isoc to react and counter CNN's "allegation" about abuses of the Rohingya boat people.

Well aware of such bad press, Lt General Manote Premwongsiri, a senior figure at Isoc who hosted the event, asked the media: "How can we ensure that news will be spread in a way that depicts Thailand in another light, say, Thais [are people who] always love one another?"

Manote urged the media "to help explain" to the public what security is all about.

The general must have forgot-ten there are currently different notions of security which are fiercely debated. One is the newer notion of human security versus older national security. While those in the latter camp sees the military as the main guardian of national security, the former group, comprised of human rights defenders, and some in acade-mia, stress the promotion and protection of individual rights and security from violence, hunger and need.

Clashes between the two world-views broke out most recently when the Working Group on Justice for Peace, a local NGO working on rights issues in the three southern-most provinces, issued a statement on Monday criticising Isoc's southern regional office for "distorting facts" and for alleging that some separatists disguised themselves as human rights defenders in the deep South.

The group urged Isoc to recog-nise that defending human rights work entails criticism of a govern-ment's policy and actions, and those of all other influential groups.

Perhaps it would be good for the Thai media to bear in mind that it ought not be a cheer leader for Isoc and that it has the duty to scrutinise Isoc, make it more transparent, and if need be, oppose and criticise it.

The Nation

... they may have been stripped of their power to do wiretapping"

Anyone know which department now has the responsibility for carrying on with what was on of Thaksins greatest abuses?

predictably- a very informative story has been used as a spring board to bash Thaksin. Just waiting for some comments about yanks and immigrants and femnazis-

Again- given the fact that opinion pieces have found their way into the news clippings section of TV=- why hasn't this?

it is news- specifically a news story about a press conference attended by a variety of media people. And anyone paying attention to the news stories would find this of at least mild interest.

[SmugFarangBore]

predictably- a very informative story has been used as a spring board to bash Thaksin.

I don't think they are aware that some members within the ISOC were discovered trying to kill Thaksin.

[dee123]

One of the most controversial legacies from the 2006 coup and the military appointed Surayud Government was the Internal Security Act (ISA), giving legal status and more money for the military to play a key role in inter-nal-security related matters.

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is currently requesting manpower and a budget, and it recently invit-ed representatives from the media to meet its members to drum up support for the organisa-tion.

I was dispatched by The Nation and the conversations with the generals were wide-ranging. One described how Isoc had been stripped, at the last minute, of the power to legally tap phones after fierce opposition from some human rights activists and media.

"If it were me [making the decision] I would allow phone tap-ping power. You must infringe on an individual's liberty to ensure the nation survives," said Lt General Peeraphong Manakit, who is also an Army radio host.

Discussion turned to the Rohingya illegal boat people, recently subjected to alleged mis-treatment by the Thai military. Some 500 are feared dead after security forces reportedly pushed them back to sea with little food and water.

One female Isoc officer told this writer: "Thais are not decisive... We must first assume that they are terrorists, if not [people] who will exploit Thailand. We were kind and gave them food and water and most likely didn't kill them."

She then went on to say that Thais should remember: "We have the richest natural resources in the world and that foreign states do not want us to develop."

Asked about a recently leaked video of what appeared to be army officers torturing a Thai-Malay Muslim separatist suspect, a senior Isoc officer replied: "It may be an old incident... I don't really know."

Such paranoia and negative thinking prevails as more taxpay-ers' money will likely go into fund-ing the secretive organisation. Although technically led by the prime minister, it's more like the number two, or the Army Chief who will be in charge of Isoc.

The media invited on that day were largely sympathetic if not supportive of Isoc. Many writers provided its members with tips, such as telling Isoc to react and counter CNN's "allegation" about abuses of the Rohingya boat people.

Well aware of such bad press, Lt General Manote Premwongsiri, a senior figure at Isoc who hosted the event, asked the media: "How can we ensure that news will be spread in a way that depicts Thailand in another light, say, Thais [are people who] always love one another?"

Manote urged the media "to help explain" to the public what security is all about.

The general must have forgot-ten there are currently different notions of security which are fiercely debated. One is the newer notion of human security versus older national security. While those in the latter camp sees the military as the main guardian of national security, the former group, comprised of human rights defenders, and some in acade-mia, stress the promotion and protection of individual rights and security from violence, hunger and need.

Clashes between the two world-views broke out most recently when the Working Group on Justice for Peace, a local NGO working on rights issues in the three southern-most provinces, issued a statement on Monday criticising Isoc's southern regional office for "distorting facts" and for alleging that some separatists disguised themselves as human rights defenders in the deep South.

The group urged Isoc to recog-nise that defending human rights work entails criticism of a govern-ment's policy and actions, and those of all other influential groups.

Perhaps it would be good for the Thai media to bear in mind that it ought not be a cheer leader for Isoc and that it has the duty to scrutinise Isoc, make it more transparent, and if need be, oppose and criticise it.

The Nation

"and if need be, oppose and criticise it.",......well go on then NATION!!!!!......don't just stand there do it !! Edited February 13, 2009 by dee123

[dee123]

"wants the media to "help explain" "........HA HA HA!!!!.I call that interference and the thai press are willing to abide!! PS WELL DONE AGAIN GRAVELRASH

Edited February 13, 2009 by dee123

[blaze]

The timing of this article leaves me scratching my head- the Nation is not known for digging dirt on the military- (noteable exception being Chiang Noi's columns) especially given the support that the military has shown for Abhisit-

Is it mere coincidence that this article came out within a few days of Abhisit's acknowledging that abuses of the refugees most likely did occur.

Is the Nation preparing the ground for a showdown between their boy Abhisit and ISOC?

[Plus]

Is the Nation preparing the ground for a showdown between their boy Abhisit and ISOC?

No, it's the usual Prawit's article, he's written only about two hundred of them, I'm sure there are more to come.

Maybe ISOC so shadowy because it doesn't do anything.

For decades it was about as useful as cows fifth leg, they reinvented it a couple of years ago but still can't find what it is actually good for. Sure it looks like there are plenty of idiots assembled there but that alone doesn't make it any different from any other Thai organisation.

As for assassination of Thaksin - that was a load of bull, a crude set up to elicit sympathy.

Revamping ISOC is surely not on Abhisit hot priority list, they are just not that important.

[geriatrickid]

The article is an excellent illustration of the touchy environment a Thai newspaper must work in. The piece achieved it's point; which was to inform readers of the disturbing views and activities of the military. Those that criticize the Nation for not going further apparently don't appreciate that if the author did go further there would be blowback such as;

i) A refusal to provide additional information.

ii) Accusations of violating "National Security",

iii) Someone could end up with a beating or perhaps dead.

What more do people want? A picture of some person having a chuckle as he listened in on the convesation of some MP who is more likely to be uttering sweet nothings to his mia noi rather than planning a terrorist attack?

The issue is not one of wiretapping itself but the manner in which it is conducted. When there is no oversight of the "intelligence" community it has a tendancy to engage in unintelligent acts.

[Plus]

i) A refusal to provide additional information.

ii) Accusations of violating "National Security",

iii) Someone could end up with a beating or perhaps dead.

iv) None of the above.

ISOC has no idea what it is supposed to do day in and day out, it doesn't have its identity and is not sure about its place in the society. They probably asked journalists to "help" because they are not clear who they are and what are those alleged threats to national security they supposed to protect us from.

It will fade away again, just as it was irrelevant after communist insurgency was defeated in the 70s.

[dee123]

The article is an excellent illustration of the touchy environment a Thai newspaper must work in. The piece achieved it's point; which was to inform readers of the disturbing views and activities of the military. Those that criticize the Nation for not going further apparently don't appreciate that if the author did go further there would be blowback such as;

i) A refusal to provide additional information.

ii) Accusations of violating "National Security",

iii) Someone could end up with a beating or perhaps dead.

What more do people want? A picture of some person having a chuckle as he listened in on the convesation of some MP who is more likely to be uttering sweet nothings to his mia noi rather than planning a terrorist attack?

The issue is not one of wiretapping itself but the manner in which it is conducted. When there is no oversight of the "intelligence" community it has a tendancy to engage in unintelligent acts.

I am one who thinks The Nation should "go further". You say Blowback? meaning? "Accusations of violating National security" will arise? So Geriatrickid why don't you just come out and say what is obvious then i.e. The Nation self censors.

Edited February 18, 2009 by dee123

[dee123]

P.S. Have we ALL finally reached agreement that The Nation and most Thai media self censors. If so PHEEEEWWWW!! about time!!!!!!!!

Edited February 18, 2009 by dee123

[trebor88]

ISOC gets new Bt1bln funding as "Government spokesman Panitan said that according to Isoc, projects would make use of the armed forces' efficiency in helping to tackle economic problems. "

What the f... ? When did that become a role of the military ?

[webfact]

use of the armed forces' efficiency in helping to tackle economic problems.

What's it all about?