Possible security services link to MP’s shooting probed

Isoc southern command says it’s investigating whether perpetrators used one of its vehicles

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a swift investigation into allegations that a vehicle used in an attack on a southern MP was linked to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), as authorities move to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Isoc spokesman Thammanoon Maisonti said on Friday that security agencies, police and local authorities have been working closely together since the March 20 shooting, which targeted Kamonsak Leewamoh, a Prachachat Party member of Parliament for Narathiwat.

Mr Kamonsak escaped unharmed but his driver and an escort police officer were seriously injured.

The coordinated investigation led to the rapid arrest of two suspects — both former marines — reflecting what Maj Gen Thammanoon described as proactive operations and inter-agency cooperation to safeguard public security.

Two more suspects are reportedly being hunted by authorities.

However, scrutiny has intensified following claims that the pickup truck used by the assailants may have belonged to Isoc. Maj Gen Thammanoon said the agency is conducting a detailed examination to verify whether any state resources were improperly used in the attack.

“Isoc places utmost importance on transparency and accuracy. If any misuse of government property is found, legal action will be taken strictly and without exception,” he said.

“The prime minister …has instructed that the situation be closely monitored, while urging all concerned agencies to fully integrate their operations to expedite the investigation and restore safety for people in the area as quickly as possible”.

Maj Gen Thammanoon said Isoc would continue to cooperate fully with police and other agencies to ensure the investigation is conducted lawfully, transparently and fairly.

Prachachat Party leader Tawee Sodsong earlier demanded swift action after security authorities raided two locations in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat on Monday and found the pickup used by the gunmen had been dismantled.

“One revelation that has made us uneasy is that the white vehicle used for the shooting was a state vehicle, specifically from Isoc,” said Pol Col Tawee, a former justice minister.

He was referring to Isoc Region 4 Forward Command, which for decades has had a major presence overseeing security operations in the restive southern border provinces.

Mr Kamonsak is a lawmaker and human rights lawyer well known for representing people affected by the Southern insurgency as well as unfair treatment by authorities in the border region.

Isoc has an estimated 6,000 personnel nationwide, excluding the South. Most of them are seconded from the army and the police and receive extra stipends for their work with the agency.

Its presence in the South under Region 4 is considerably larger, estimated at up to 60,000 personnel. Numbers are also supplemented by paramilitary rangers and local volunteers.