Questions Raised Over ISOC Personnel Budget and Alleged 'Ghost Soldiers'

On September 7, 2026, Matichon Online reported that Romadon Panjor, a member of the opposition, has publicly criticized the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for its handling of security efforts in Thailand's southern border provinces. During a parliamentary discussion, Romadon highlighted a significant 31% reduction in the personnel budget, questioning the transparency of these financial allocations.

Central to his inquiry is the potential existence of 'ghost soldiers'—personnel listed on official payrolls who may not actually exist or perform active duties. Romadon has demanded that ISOC provide a detailed explanation regarding where these funds have been directed and whether the reported staffing numbers accurately reflect the reality on the ground. He further characterized the current approach to resolving the unrest in the deep south as ineffective.

For residents and travelers in the southern region, this development highlights ongoing political scrutiny regarding the management of security resources. While the situation does not directly impact daily travel logistics, it underscores a period of intense debate over the accountability of state security agencies. As of now, ISOC has not provided a formal response to these specific allegations. The public and observers are awaiting further clarification from the agency to determine if the budget discrepancy is a result of administrative errors or more systemic issues within the organization.