The Internal Security Act: Implications for the Southern Conflict

Details

In cooperation with the Faculty of Political Science of Chulalongkorn University KAS initiated a workshop with high-ranking representatives from military, NGOs, media and political parties.

In 2007 the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) passed the Internal Security Act, establishing the Internal Security Organization Command (ISOC) with far reaching competencies and power. Since then there is some discussion about the bill and its implications for the conflict in the South. However, there is little knowledge on how it would work in practice. Thus, it is of utmost importance to initiate a debate on the bill among related authorities and those who involved.

The major aim of the workshop is the exchange of opinions and estimations on implications of the Internal Security Act on the conflict in Southern Thailand.

In addition to that, the implementation framework of the act considering the protection of civil rights shall be explored.

Agenda

09.00 – 09.15 hrs

Opening Remarks

Dr. Canan Atilgan, Resident Representative of KAS Thailand

09.15 – 10.15 hrs

Keynote Speech on “National Security and the Internal Security Act”

Lt. Gen. Prayut Chan-Ocha, Arm Force Chief of Staff

10.45 – 12.30 hrs

Panel Discussion I: “Internal Security Operation Command (ISOC): Function and Mission in the South”´

• Mr. Ausit Kunakorn

  The Act Drafter, Office of National Security Council

• Mr. Pranai Suvarnarat

  Secretary General of SBPAC

• Lt. Gen. Pichet Wisaichorn

  Police Commander Zone 9 (Yala)

14.00 – 16.00 hrs

Panel Discussion II: “Balancing Security and Fundamental Rights. Perspectives from Civil Society”

• Prof. Dr. Gothom Areeya

  Director of the Research Center for Peace Building

• Prof. Dr. Srisomphob Jitpiromsri

  The Deep South Watch Group, Prince Songkhla Nakarin University

• Mr. Adillan Ali Ishoh

  Secretary General, Lawyer Center for Muslims, Yala

• Mr. Iskanda Thamrongsap, Chairman of Iran-Ahmed Foundation, Pattani

16.00 – 16.30 hrs

Wrap-up and closing remarks

Prof. Dr. Panitan Wattanayakorn, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University