PM explains his stand on retaining ISOC, denies he is ‘a puppet of anyone’

He said the Pheu Thai-led coalition government aimed to modernise the military, bringing it more in line with democratic values. Making clear his stand on the ISOC, he said state repression of enemies during the Cold War had ended. He now wanted the security agency, under his leadership, “to play a role in ensuring democratic stability, protecting the rights and freedoms of the people, and, in times of crisis, contributing to the economic stability of the people”.

The Pheu Thai Party and government believe in gradual change in the midst of a political landscape that has been deeply divided for almost 20 years, he said, adding they did not want to choose the path of destruction and upheaval. He said continuity of governance in an electoral system is the heart of sustainable and lasting democracy.