The recent allegations against the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Thailand have raised pressing questions about the integrity of investigations into the attempted assassination of Thai lawmaker Kamonsak Leewamoh. On March 20, a violent attack involving four gunmen targeted Kamonsak’s vehicle, leaving two individuals severely injured. Fortunately, Kamonsak survived by taking cover inside the vehicle, which was riddled with bullets.
An unsettling connection emerged when police seized a white Toyota pickup truck captured by a dashcam at the crime scene. This vehicle, registered to ISOC, brings Captain Montri Toprasert, head of ISOC’s Administration Division in Narathiwat, into sharp focus, as he is suspected of providing the truck for the assault. He has since been transferred to ISOC headquarters pending an internal investigation.
The attack, alongside the arrest of one former marine involved, underscores the complexity of the law enforcement and military interactions in Thailand. Three suspects, all with military backgrounds, have been identified, though two remain at large. Law enforcement is under scrutiny as they navigate the web of military and civil oversight in this multilayered case.
Kamonsak, representing Narathiwat, has been a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly in the context of the long-standing ethnic and religious tensions in the region, which has experienced persistent violence. His work with the Muslim Attorney Center Foundation further underscores the significance of his position as both a lawmaker and a human rights lawyer.
As an important voice in southern Thailand, Kamonsak’s targeting may be linked to broader efforts to intimidate and silence activists in the region. Leaked documents from 2025 indicated that ISOC had identified human rights organizations and pro-democracy figures as priority targets, suggesting a systematic campaign against dissenting voices.
Human Rights Watch has called for an urgent investigation into the assassination attempt, emphasizing that this situation serves as a test of the Thai government’s commitment to human rights. The implications for international relations and internal governance remain profound as scrutiny mounts on this contentious issue. For more information, one can access further details of this case through a detailed report by JURIST.