It is not news that the impressive propaganda arm of the so-called Islamic State (IS) is operating in our region. During the past several months, authorities in the Philippines, Malaysia and especially Indonesia, have had to step up efforts against the violent, Mideast-based group. Credible reports say hundreds of men, and even a few women, from those countries have travelled to join the IS. The government would be well advised to monitor the situation and remain alert.
Malaysia's arrest on Monday of a large group of IS sympathisers reveals the urgency of the problem. The scope and actual danger posed by the alleged gang will soon be unveiled. In any case, 17 men are being held on suspicion of plotting terrorist attacks in Kuala Lumpur. Police, though generally tight-lipped, have said two of the men recently returned from Syria, the IS's home base.
As the Bangkok Post detailed in a Special Report on Monday, there are both fears and indications that IS sympathisers are also active within Thailand. Given the history of al-Qaeda and its supporters, they are at least as likely to be foreigners as Thais.
The 40-year conflict in the deep South is often perceived as a possible support base for international terrorism. But in reality, even the most violent southerners have rejected all recruitment attempts by outside terrorist groups. From Black September in the 1970s to the IS of today, there has never been a single shred of evidence that separatist gangs in southern Thailand are at all welcoming to groups operating, and based, outside of the country.
Thailand is considered a tolerant nation in the international community. Thais, however, have no tolerance for terrorism. Leaders of the Asian branch of al-Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiyah, found that out in the harshest way. When JI members came under pressure from their governments in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, they tried to find shelter in Thailand. Local Muslim communities actively pushed them away. In 2003, Muslims living in Ayutthaya reported the presence of JI's top commander, Hambali, and within hours police and the CIA had him under lock and key.
Such community opposition to violent foreign groups is vital to counter the IS threat growing in the region. If foreign jihadis try to hide in Thailand, they must be identified quickly and either expelled or arrested. The same applies in spades to Thais susceptible to terrorist recruitment.
The IS effectively uses what anti-terrorism experts wrongly dub "lone wolf" sympathisers. IS woos social outsiders via the internet and invites them to join the battle for the new caliphate. Case after case shows the men and women who join IS are well-known, and well-liked, in their communities. Rather than "lone wolves", they are in fact "known wolves". Recent events call for any sympathisers of violence, or the IS cause, to be shunned and prevented from aiding terrorism.
The IS is a serious, potential enemy of the country. The IS is known to be operating at Thai borders and within Asean member countries. To counter such a force, authorities must remain steadfastly alert at all times.
IS agents are skilful at penetrating communities. They have proved well able to convince many individuals to join their cause. Families, friends and schools should monitor and share their concerns if they observe someone changing drastically. Friends do not allow friends to debase themselves by joining or aiding such a clear danger to Thailand as the IS.