"Bangkok Governor discusses integrated urban security plans with “ISOC Secretary-General"

Today (20 July 2026), 3:00 PM, at the Amarin Room, Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), Phra Nakhon District, General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, and his team, in their capacity as Secretary-General of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), met with Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok and Director of ISOC Bangkok, to discuss official matters concerning security and urban security issues.

At 3:50 PM, Mr. Chatchart held a press conference following the meeting. "Today, we discussed integration and setting operational goals because we believe the security situation is becoming more complex. Bangkok needs integration with various agencies to achieve the greatest benefit. We also discussed the scope of operational plans on urgent issues, including: 1. Foreign labor, illicit capital, foreigners conducting illegal business in Thailand, and illegal child registration."

Mr. Chatchart added that, "2. The drug problem is a key issue. The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) is already working on this nationwide, but integrating it with Bangkok will enhance efficiency. These two issues are key priorities that Bangkok and ISOC will continue to pursue. Sub-working groups will be formed to define operational plans and clear indicators. The ISOC Inspector General's office will assist in guiding the direction of operations. A meeting will be held in two weeks to finalize the plan and achieve concrete integration. The implementation will need to be flexible to address potential future challenges. Therefore, collaborative work will allow for a more effective response to these problems."

When asked by reporters whether there were any areas that would receive special attention, such as the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok, which has a large Chinese population, Mr. Chatchart said that he thought all nationalities needed to be investigated, not just Chinese. He added that it shouldn't be assumed that only the Huai Khwang area is affected; other areas, such as Khlong Sam Wa, also have a large number of foreigners. Therefore, a thorough examination of all districts and data must be conducted meticulously.

General Chaiyapruk stated that the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will focus on two main areas at this time: 1. Foreign labor issues, and 2. Drug-related issues. Previously, the provincial ISOCs supported the Bangkok Governor, but because Bangkok is a large and complex province, it may be necessary to utilize the central ISOC, which has expert personnel in various fields, for support. ISOC already has operational plans; the central office will provide support and assistance where possible and will proceed to the best of its ability.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong