ISOC Region 4 Chief Visits Phuket to Review Campaign Against Internal Threats

The commander of the Royal Thai Army’s Fourth Army Area and director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC Region 4) visited Phuket to review local efforts aimed at tackling internal security threats ranging from drug trafficking to illegal foreign land ownership through nominees.

Lieutenant General Norathip Phoinok chaired the high-level meeting on May 23 alongside senior military officers. The session brought together Phuket Governor Nirun Phongsitthithaworn, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization President Rewat Areerob, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum, and representatives from multiple government agencies.

Thailand’s state-run broadcaster NBT reported extensively on the visit, including through its English-language outlet NBT World.

According to the report, officials reviewed the province’s overall security situation, focusing on several key issues:

• Drug suppression

• Protection of public areas

• Prevention of illegal occupation of natural resources

• Monitoring of illegal migration

• Transnational crime

• Foreign ownership of land through Thai nominees

Authorities noted that these issues directly affect provincial security, economic development, and Phuket’s reputation as one of Thailand’s leading tourist destinations.

General Phoinok emphasized the need for closer cooperation between all agencies involved in addressing the identified threats.

“General Phoinok stated that the government has designated internal security, illegal encroachment on natural resources, and issues related to foreign activities in Thailand as urgent national priorities,” NBT World reported.

Representatives from ISOC Region 4 previously participated in recent operations at Nui Beach and Freedom Beach targeting illegal land use and encroachment.

However, the command’s activities related to internal security have so far been more visible on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, where military representatives have occasionally joined enforcement raids directly. In most cases, ISOC’s role has focused on coordination between agencies and operational oversight.