Dissolving the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is not part of the government policy declared to parliament, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, rebutting claims it woiuld be closed.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account yesterday, Mr Srettha said the ruling Pheu Thai Party did not campaign to dissolve Isoc and had every right to announce that it would remain in service.
Mr Srettha, who also serves as the director of Isoc, said he will modify the agency's role to better assist national security as well as promote democracy and economic progress.
As part of the government's attempt to modernise the army forces, he will develop Isoc into a tool to protect people's basic rights and strengthen economic security.
"We are fully aware that Isoc's job of defeating the nation's enemies, its main objective since the Cold War, is now over," he posted.
Mr Srettha said Pheu Thai believes in gradual change. Amid the political conflict which has riven the country for the past 20 years, the party would not choose to make things worse. "We subscribe to the concept of solidarity," he said.
Meanwhile, Super Poll has found most people believe Isoc should not only continue to exist but also expand its role to oversee cyber security.
The poll was conducted on Nov 1-4 among 1,210 people aged 18 and over of various occupations on the role of Isoc.
Some 62.9% of respondents said the agency should expand its role to oversee cyber security or threats to national security on social media. Some 51.5% said Isoc should continue to exist, but its management should be improved to respond more clearly to the wishes of the people.
Some 51.4% said Isoc has played crucial roles in coping with natural disasters such as wildfires and flooding; 45.7% said Isoc brings together agencies which work together for the country's security and solidary. Also, 42.9% said Isoc has maintained national security, countering separatism, drugs and terrorism as well as protecting the national interest.