Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand's Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) are looking to withdraw military forces from southernmost provinces by 2027, with plans to strengthen volunteer forces in the area.
The ministry and ISOC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide joint training to volunteer forces.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the MoU underscores collaboration between the two sides, aiming to ease the military workload while ensuring public safety, starting in 2027. These volunteers are from local communities and familiar with residents, he said.
The volunteers already have certain skills, but they require additional drills in defending and maintaining public order, he noted.
Meanwhile, army chief Gen Charoenchai Hintao said operations in the southern border provinces have been a joint effort between civilians, the police, and the military under the ISOC framework. ISOC plans to hand control of the area to the Department of Provincial Administration, volunteers, and the police in 2027. However, if the situation does not improve, it will be up to the government to consider further plans, Charoenchai added.
The army chief said the volunteers already have a solid foundation, yet collaborative work requires joint training to ensure better cooperation.
An announcement in the Royal Gazette signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on September 25 states that due to the security situation in the southern region, enforcement of the Internal Security Act will be extended in 19 districts across four southern provinces from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025./.
