The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has forged ahead with major changes in its personnel in what is seen as a move to ensure military power in the provinces ahead of a general election.
In an order signed by army chief Chalermchai Sitthisat, Isoc deputy director acting in his capacity as Isoc chief, the army has unveiled a full-scale reshuffle of provincial Isoc military officials that will take effect in October.
It is the first time the reshuffle of Isoc military officers affects all 77 provinces. In previous practices, the reshuffle was limited.
The full-scale reshuffle is believed to have been forced by Isoc's internal restructuring in which the position of Isoc military officer in 19 provinces will be filled by a major-general instead of a senior colonel.
These provinces are Bangkok, Lop Buri, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, and Chon Buri [Central]; Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon [Northeast]; Phitsanulok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Sawan [north]; Surat Thani, Songkhla and Phuket [South].
However, the reshuffle has also sparked speculation about the regime's attempt to strengthen its clout in the lead-up to fresh elections that are expected to take place late next year.
It is speculated that these 77 provincial Isoc military officers will help drive the regime's policy on all fronts and give the provincial governors a little push to ensure policy implementation.
The provincial Isoc military officer is said to be referred to as "military governor" by the army and Isoc. His role is to coordinate between the army, Isoc and the regime.
Meanwhile, sources suspect that the unprecedented move is in part to keep track of provincial governors while critics and opponents of the regime are active during the transition period.
Sources said major changes will be seen at Isoc Region 1, which is under the supervision of Maj Gen Apirak Khongsompong, commander of the 1st Army Region.
The 1st Region covers 26 provinces including Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Prachin Buri, which are known to be strongholds of the anti-regime United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.
Key army officers appointed as Isoc officers include deputy chief-of-staff at the 1st Region Col Manas Chandee, who will be in Isoc's Bangkok office and is tipped to be made a major general in October.
Isoc is headed by the prime minister, with the army chief serving as Isoc deputy director. It is in charge of security affairs and threats including drug trafficking, illegal immigration and terrorism.
The provincial Isoc offices are led by provincial governors who have three deputies: an army officer appointed by the army or Isoc; a police officer who is usually the provincial police chief; and a civilian official who is usually a deputy governor.
The provincial Isoc officers report to one of four regional Isoc offices, each of which is headed by the army region commander.
Yesterday, Niphit Intharasombat, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, said the military governors will not affect the party's standing at the next election as the military will only have a peacekeeping duty with no political role to play.