Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims
Tensions rise as minister confronts media amid royal exploitation claims and political fallout
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fired back at persistent media claims that he’s been blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for exploiting the monarchy for political gain.
Speaking out on Tuesday, May 6, Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, slammed the allegations as “false” and called on the media to stop spreading misleading information.
“The army and ISOC have already addressed the matter,” he said, insisting that the claims were untrue and urging reporters to let the issue rest.
“I believe this matter is now over,” Anutin added, brushing off the controversy.
When pressed about whether former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was backing him amidst the allegations, Anutin refused to comment, keeping his cards close to his chest.
The controversy began after a parliamentary security commission meeting last Thursday, May 1, revealed a document allegedly from ISOC, listing those who may have benefited from royal references.
Among the names reportedly on the list were Anutin, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Phayao MP Thamanat Prompow. The list also supposedly included groups opposing the monarchy, like the Facebook page of the People’s Party.
However, army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree quickly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and misleading.”
He clarified that while Anutin’s name did appear in an internal intelligence report, it was not in a negative context. Instead, it was supportive of the monarchy, he said.
The leaked ISOC document has triggered debate and raised questions about the agency’s role. Critics have long targeted ISOC for its significant budget and unclear responsibilities, which often overlap with other government bodies.
In 2023, the now-dissolved Move Forward Party even proposed a bill to abolish ISOC, citing its lack of a clear mandate and the potential for misuse.
When asked by reporters whether ISOC should be dissolved, Anutin laughed off the suggestion, emphasising his role as deputy director of the agency. Despite the ongoing controversy, he appeared confident that the issue would soon blow over, urging the media to focus on more pressing matters, reported Bangkok Post.
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