Isoc endures in its many guises

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) came into existence in 1973 to succeed the Communist Suppression and Prevention Command. The agency was formed under the Anti-Communist Act and its role was to combat communist insurgency.

In 1980, it underwent changes following the introduction of Prime Minister’s Order 66/23 by Prem Tinsulanonda’s government to allow people who had fled into the jungle to join the Communist Party of Thailand, to rejoin society and take part in a national development programme.

As the threat of communism waned, in 1982 the government adjusted Isoc’s role to deal with narcotics suppression and prevention, border security coordination, illegal entry, conflict…