Bangkok: Political observer Thepthai Senpong has voiced strong criticism against the government led by Anutin Charnvirakul, accusing it of failing in national security matters. Thepthai expressed his concerns via a Facebook post on "Thepthai - Political Talk," asserting that the administration has exhibited significant weaknesses in this critical area.
According to Thai News Agency, Thepthai's critique centers on the transition from Anutin 1 to Anutin 2, where the government's stance on security issues notably shifted. During the election campaign, Anutin Charnvirakul championed a robust security policy, potentially to garner electoral support. However, post-election, the security policies have been perceived as ineffective. Several incidents during Anutin Charnvirakul's tenure underscore these shortcomings.
The prolonged insurgency in the southern border provinces remains unresolved, with daily violence persisting. An assassination attempt on Kamolsak Leewamae, a Member of Parliament from Narathiwat, remains unsolved. The government has not appointed a minister directly responsible for addressing these issues, instead delegating the task to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, who is not directly involved in security. Additionally, appointing Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, a spiritual leader in the region, as an advisor to the Prime Minister reflects a lack of direct accountability within the government for security concerns.
There is also concern over aggressive foreign investment and influence. Foreigners, particularly Israeli tourists, have established businesses and groups in areas like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Pai District, creating influential bases that the government has failed to regulate. This has raised national security concerns.
In Phuket, influential foreign gangs have seized beach areas, treating them as private territories and even threatening local MPs. The government's inability to suppress these groups highlights a lack of authority.
The arrest of Chinese national Mingchen Shan, who possessed weapons and explosives, further exemplifies security lapses. His capture was accidental, not the result of intelligence efforts, raising concerns about potential sabotage risks.
Finally, the Cambodian border issue remains tense, with aggression and provocations unaddressed by the government, including the arrest of a Thai national on trespassing charges.
These incidents collectively signify a failure in the state security sector, underscoring the need for the government to acknowledge and address these weaknesses to ensure national security effectively.