Army Defends Internal Security Budget Against Criticism
The Thai Army defended ISOC's 5.7 billion baht budget against accusations of misallocation, clarifying that 92.6 percent goes to operational expenses and personnel allowances rather than hidden costs, with the majority supporting security o
On July 12, 2569 (2026), Lieutenant General Winthaya Suvaree, army spokesperson, addressed criticism from Thavee Sodsong regarding the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). The army said Thavee presented incomplete information in a misleading manner that failed to show the full picture and could confuse the public. The army is the primary unit providing personnel support to ISOC Region 4 Forward in addressing security challenges in the three southern provinces.
The army outlined three key points in response. First, regarding ISOC's 2570 (2027) budget of 5.737 billion baht with only 44.3 million allocated directly to salaries, the remaining 5.314 billion baht (92.6 percent) was distributed through other operational expenses according to Budget Bureau guidelines and accounting standards, not hidden through manipulation. Nearly all ISOC personnel work on loan from other government agencies, receiving monthly allowances of 2,500 baht plus daily meal stipends, which the Budget Bureau properly categorizes under "other expenses" following standard procedures.
Second, regarding the 4.305 billion baht allocated for southern operations, 2.341 billion represents personnel compensation in the form of allowances rather than salaries—a transparent distribution method mandated by the Budget Bureau's accounting regulations. This budget allocation pattern has remained consistent year after year, with roughly 75 percent dedicated to addressing the three southern provinces' security needs and approximately 70 percent of that going toward compensation for roughly 49,000 military, police, civil administration, and other government personnel.
Third, the army rejected claims of duplication, noting that the three southern provinces face uniquely complex and severe criminal challenges unlike other regions, directly impacting national security. The government assigned ISOC responsibility for addressing this distinct crisis. ISOC Region 4 Forward was established as the area-level command overseeing multiple specialized missions with military, police, and civilian personnel working in non-duplicative roles. The army noted that the Songkhla Regional Military Command focuses on development and public safety through law enforcement and social justice—roles distinct from ISOC's counter-insurgency mission.
