PM Advisor Calls for Disbanding Security Agency

Prime Minister's advisor Wan Muhamad Nor Matha, former parliamentary speaker, has openly criticized the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), expressing frustration that it should be dissolved rather than merely have its budget reduced. He contends the agency duplicates efforts of other security organizations, inefficiently draws personnel across units, squanders resources, and produces no tangible results. The most striking example is a military weapons incident involving an attack on Kamalshakdi Liwaemor, a Narathiwat MP from the Prachachon Party. This is not an accusation, Matha emphasized, but established fact: the perpetrator was SBPAC personnel, the weapons were SBPAC's, and the vehicle was SBPAC's—making denial of responsibility untenable. Credit goes to Prachachon Party, particularly Colonel Tawi Sodsong, for tracking this case from the beginning, revealing how the vehicle was dismantled and uncovering SBPAC weapons involvement, leading to warrants for senior officers. The investigation now depends on identifying those who gave orders and clarifying motives. Matha suggested unemployment as a cause for misconduct, raising questions about whether SBPAC truly lacks work. Recent budget figures reveal SBPAC's 2025 allocation of 5.7 billion baht includes only 44.3 million for salaries of 200 staff, with 92.6%—over 5.3 billion baht—hidden in other expense categories. Similarly, the 4.3 billion baht budget for southern unrest prevention includes 4.3 billion in other expenses, with 2.3 billion for personnel contracting and 299 million for government efficiency improvements, despite established agencies like the Fourth Army Region and provincial administration holding direct responsibility. This raises legitimate questions about SBPAC's continued necessity, especially during fiscal constraints requiring 400 billion baht in borrowing with unknown future needs. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin must carefully examine whether perpetually funding this 5-billion-baht organization under the guise of national institution is justifiable. Citizens deserve scrutiny of this spending.