The hashtag “#Save ISOC” appeared on numerous political web pages today (Saturday), in response to a bill proposed by Move Forward party MP Romdon Panujor, calling for the dissolution of Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

According to the MP, the Internal Security Act B.E. 2551 (2008), which created ISOC, gives too much power to the military and makes ISOC a duplication of the other security agencies, wasting money and manpower.

The bill is currently the subject of public opinion research, in accordance with Section 77 of the Constitution. Members of the public have been asked if they agree that ISOC should be dissolved and why? Do they agree that all the civil servants, assets and equipment in ISOC should be transferred to the Department of Provincial Administration of the Interior Ministry? Do they believe that the bill will help to solve security problems in the country?

The people behind the hashtag claim that there is a political grouping, without naming the Move Forward party, which is attempting to disband ISOC, which is instrumental in protecting people in three restive southern provinces, by proposing a bill to the parliament seeking ISOC’s dissolution.

It warns that, if the bill passes and becomes law, southern insurgents will increase their violent activities and further destabilise the already restive region. It urges its supporters to vote against the bill, to protect Thailand from “ill-intentioned” people.